Government of Canada investing in teaching digital skills to Canadians who need them most

Up to $750,000 through the Digital Literacy Exchange program to teach fundamental digital skills to Canadians in Mississauga and Brampton

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 11, 2019 /CNW/ - Digital skills widen Canadians' access to a world of possibilities. All Canadians should have the necessary skills to get online by using computers, mobile devices and the Internet safely and effectively. That is why the Government is putting in place initiatives to ensure no one is left behind as the world transitions to a digital economy.

Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced an investment of up to $750,000 in a Peel Multicultural Council project that focusses on helping Canadians develop essential skills to begin computing with confidence.

This initiative will be delivered at the Peel Multicultural Council centres in Mississauga and Brampton, Ontario, and will reach approximately 1,800 participants, with a focus on low-income individuals, seniors, newcomers to Canada and individuals who have not completed high school.

This investment is being provided through the Digital Literacy Exchange program, a $29.5-million program that provides digital skills training to support those known to be most at risk of being left behind by the rapid pace of digital technology adoption: seniors, people with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, Indigenous peoples, low-income Canadians, language minority groups, and those living in northern and rural communities.

The program aligns with the Government's Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create good jobs and ensure Canadians have the skills to succeed.

Quotes

"Digital skills are becoming more important every day, whether for booking a medical appointment, banking safely, studying or looking for a job. That's why, through the Digital Literacy Exchange program, our government is supporting the Peel Multicultural Council in providing newcomers and other disadvantaged groups with training in fundamental digital skills."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"This investment is great news for Canadians in both Mississauga and Brampton. With new emerging technologies, using a computer and accessing the Internet are critical to participate in today's economy."
 – Gagan Sikand, Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Streetsville

Quick facts

• The Digital Literacy Exchange program is designed to be inclusive by reaching out to those who are not online or are still learning how to use digital technologies. This includes seniors, people with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, low-income Canadians, language minority groups, Indigenous peoples, those who have not completed high school, and those living in northern and rural communities.
• Project funding is available from 2018–19 to 2021–22.

Associated links

• Digital Literacy Exchange Program
• Innovation and Skills Plan

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For further information: Dani Keenan, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-1710; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/home