The government seems bent on destroying access, even as more and more government programs and educational programs move to online access only.
For immediate release
The end of Public Access to the Internet?
Ottawa, November 19th, 2007 -Despite the obvious needs and
demonstrated success of Internet community access programs, there has
been no announcement concerning their future funding or renewal. All
requests sent to the Honorable Minister Jim Prentice of Industry Canada,
ministry responsible for this program, have gone unanswered. Without any
renewal budget, these programs will end March 31st.The Community Access Program (CAP) ensures the maintenance of computer
equipment and the training of employees and volunteers in the non-profit
sector. The CAP´s Youth Initiative (CAP-YI) provides employment
opportunities for countless young men and women while also offering
affordable Internet access to thousands of Canadians. Training sessions
are given by young facilitators in schools, libraries, community centers
to promote the development of basic skills in the use of information and
communication technologies (ICTs), enabling many people to become active
members of society in the Information Age. The PAC also offers special
training programs to people with disabilities and people with literacy
issues to take into account their special needs.The Community Access Program provides access to those people who might
not have computers or Internet access in their homes or workplaces.
These people are mostly senior citizens, First Nations, immigrants, the
unemployed, people facing literacy challenges, the homeless, people with
disabilities, people living with mental health issues, in short, a large
segment of the population facing exclusion in part because of new
technologies.
[Read more…] about CAPs: The final episode?
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