Nearly half of IT leaders (46%) surveyed have had difficulty filling IT positions in the past 12 months

New data from the Canadian Internet Registration Authority points to a skills gap in Canada's IT sector

OTTAWA, May 30, 2016 /CNW/ - In advance of its annual Canadian Internet Forum, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) has released a report on technology, skills, and Canada's competitiveness. The report will inform discussion at the Canadian Internet Forum, Canada's premiere conference on Internet issues.

This research is part of CIRA's work with the Strategic Counsel to study Canadian Internet trends. The project surveyed 1,200 Canadian Internet users and 300 leaders in Canadian IT firms.

Key findings from the report:

• IT leaders are concerned about the availability of talent in Canada. 55 per cent consider the ability to recruit and retain workers with the right skill important to helping Canadian technology firms compete globally. 40 per cent of IT leaders had trouble recruiting IT professionals with the right skills and 46 per cent had difficulty filling a position in the last 12 months.
• 73 per cent of IT leaders agreed that we need 'made-in-Canada' solutions to our major technology challenges.
• Internet users see connectivity as critical to both the ability of Canadians to learn new skills (75%) and for support children's education (68%).
• Six in ten Internet users surveyed agreed that students should be taught basic programming/coding skills in high school. Among the 300 IT decision makers surveyed, 88 per cent believed coding should be part of the core secondary school curriculum.
• Canadian Internet users see Internet service as both a public and private responsibility. 61 per cent agree that the Canadian government should make universal broadband Internet access a priority. 73 per cent of Internet users agreed that technology companies need to ensure that all Canadians can access Internet services.
• Canadians also agree that internet access is important to newcomers to Canada (55%) and rural Canadians (76%).

Download the full report from the Canadian Internet Registration Authority at cira.ca.

This data will inform proceedings at the annual Canadian Internet Forum held this coming June 1^st in Ottawa. The forum will convene panels on broadband, ICTs and the evolving digital economy; high speed networks and innovative approaches to broadband delivery; and broadband access and the skills gap.

Media availability

• CIRA has spokespeople available to speak to survey data and related story-lines.
• Members of the media are welcome to attend the Canadian Internet Forum. Please register in advance to secure a spot. For the full conference program and schedule, please visit cira.ca.

About the Canadian Internet Registration Authority

The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) manages the .CA top-level domain on behalf of all Canadians. A Member-based organization, CIRA also develops and implements policies that support Canada's Internet community, and represents the .CA registry internationally.

SOURCE Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)

Ryan Saxby Hill, communications manager at CIRA, 613-316-2397, [email protected]