Canadian youth learn how the power to shape the future is at their fingertips
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development joins Ottawa youth in global "Hour of Code" movement
OTTAWA, Dec. 9, 2015 /CNW/ - On Thursday, December 10 2015, in celebration of Computer Science Education Week, The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, will join Janet Kennedy, President, Microsoft Canada and a group of Ottawa-area students for an "Hour of Code" event. Microsoft will engage students in a Minecraft coding challenge to demonstrate the importance of computer science education and the essential skills needed for a career in today's digital economy.
| Who: |
Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Janet Kennedy, President, Microsoft Canada Ottawa-area students |
| When: |
Thursday, December 10, 2015 |
| Where: |
Microsoft Canada 100 Queen Street, Suite 500 Ottawa, ON K1P 1J9 |
Photo and interview opportunities available.
Why is it important to teach kids and youth to code?
- Coding is the most basic building block of digital technology – it is the language that instructs computers what to do
- We live in an increasingly digital world and we need to teach kids to be creators of technology; coding can enable that
- Canada is facing an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills shortage – by 2019, it is predicted that 182,000 jobs in the sector will be unfilled due to a lack of skilled talent
"Hour of Code" is a global initiative driven by Code.org and supported by over 300 partners including Microsoft Canada. The Ottawa event is part of Microsoft Canada's larger #CodeGeneration movement – a month long campaign inspiring Canadian youth to learn more about coding. #CodeGeneration runs through to the end of Computer Science Education Week (December 13) and students can sign up by registering at www.CodeGeneration.ca. To learn more, please see the #CodeGeneration launch video.
About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.
SOURCE Microsoft Canada Inc.
Josh Tucker, 647-330-3749, [email protected]
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