$151,000 allocated through the Digital Literacy Exchange program to teach fundamental digital skills to Canadians in Gaspésie
GASPÉ, QC, March 5, 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 Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, on behalf of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, announced an investment of up to $151,000 in a Vision Gaspé-Percé Now project that focuses on helping Canadians develop essential skills to begin computing with confidence.
This initiative will be delivered in the Gaspé and Percé regions and will reach approximately 425 participants, with a focus on those living in rural and remote communities, language minorities, low-income individuals and seniors.
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, low-income Canadians, language minority groups, Indigenous peoples, those who have not completed high school, 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
"Canada's digital revolution must be for everyone—not just for young people and people who live in large cities. Through the Digital Literacy Exchange program, our government is helping organizations like Vision Gaspé-Percé Now deliver digital literacy training to those who need it most."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"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 Vision Gaspé-Percé Now in providing under-represented groups with training in fundamental digital skills."
– The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine
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.
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Emilie Gagnon, Press Secretary, Minister of National Revenue, 613-995-2960, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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