Federal government giving young Canadians in the Montréal area the digital skills needed for future jobs Français
$1 million for Grandir sans Frontières to teach students coding and digital skills required for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow
MONTRÉAL, Jan. 24, 2018 /CNW/ - The federal government is investing in young Canadians to provide them with the digital skills needed for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow. Thanks to a $1-million investment in coding and digital skills training through Grandir sans Frontières, more young Canadians will be equipped with the in-demand digital literacy and problem-solving skills required by today's employers.
The funding was announced by David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, during a visit to Grandir sans Frontières. Created in 2003, this not-for-profit organization aims to improve access to information and communications technologies in underprivileged communities.
The investment is being allocated through CanCode, a $50-million federal program that will give nearly 1 million students from kindergarten to Grade 12 the opportunity to learn coding and other digital skills. CanCode will also provide over 63,000 Canadian teachers with the know-how to incorporate new digital skills and technologies into their classrooms.
CanCode is one of the many digital skills programs offered by the Government of Canada that seek to bridge the digital divide and help Canadians access digital technology and develop the skills they need to use them. It aligns with the Government's Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs and ensure Canadians have the skills to succeed.
Quotes
"Becoming the most innovative country begins with investing in Canadian talent. Our government is committed to equipping Canadian youth with the digital skills they need for the jobs of the future. By teaching kids to code today, we're positioning Canada for future success across all industries and sectors because these kids will facilitate digital adoption, making all Canadian industries more profitable and globally competitive."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"This investment is great news for students in the Montréal area. It gives our youth the opportunity to learn the digital skills they need for future employment and further study in high-demand STEM fields."
– David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"Grandir sans Frontières is very pleased to collaborate with the Government of Canada in establishing its Educ @ TIC3.0 project that will roll out across Quebec. The initial step involves opening the first Numérithèque in Montréal, a fun and inclusive digital learning and co-creation space for youth aged 5 to 17 years."
– Agnès Bohn, CEO, Grandir sans Frontières
Quick facts
- The Grandir sans Frontières project is expected to benefit to up to 3,500 students.
- CanCode will invest $50 million over two years, starting in 2017–18, to support initiatives providing educational opportunities for coding and digital skills development to Canadian youth from kindergarten to Grade 12.
Associated links
Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Karl W. Sasseville, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2500; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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