Continue and Compliment C@P

There are a lot of older Canadians who have not adapted to the use of technology, but more and more government information is only available on–line. These people are falling behind fast. C@P sites are minimally funded by government. In Nova Scotia non profit groups provide free or affordable access to the internet, computers, training and support to help people without the skills to use technology. C@P sites are run by local people and provide a non threatening learning environment. If more funding were made available through C@P these valuable community learning centres could have paid staff which would allow for more reliable hours of operation, they would be able to get more up to date technologies and resources that would increase learning opportunities. The small amount of funding for C@P harnesses an incredible amount of volunteer time and effort and needs to be better supported by all levels of government.

Comments

Managerkennetinc — 2010–07–02 13:25:04 EDT wrote

The incredible opportunity that CAP provides for one–on–one learning when your last real schooling has been 25 years ago, makes it less intimidating, less expensive, and friendlier than more institutional education. The atmosphere that is created by the uncertain future of the CAP funding program, makes it difficult to plan in the long term and see any projects that are started come to fruition. Our volunteers are still supportive but getting tired and frustrated with the constant fight for stable funding.

Linda Cousins

straitview364 — 2010–07–03 10:54:25 EDT wrote

CAP is essential to our P.E.I. communities. Total support for CAP initiatives from this user.

jenkins — 2010–07–05 08:57:26 EDT wrote

C@P is a critical part of internet knowledge and education on P.E.I.. There are still many areas that do not have access to internet or just dial up. The C@P sites allow many users that would not have the internet, to not just use it but learn how to be more effective with the internet and learn new skills. Total support!

fasquire — 2010–07–05 10:46:36 EDT wrote

CAP sites are vital for economically–challenged youth and their families, who otherwise would not have access. CAP sites not only provide access to the internet, but staff also provide guidance, resources, and the educational and technological tools necessary to function in a digitial and technological economy as global citizens. Continued and substantial funding to CAP will assure all Canadians are connected.

dthompson — 2010–07–05 12:16:43 EDT wrote

CAP is the best kept secret in Canada but they are heavily utilized. Without CAP many disenfranchised individuals would not get the ICT support that they need to access and adopt int their lives. It also gives thousands of youth interns jobs in ICTs during the year. This program needs to be properly supported.

XenosNS — 2010–07–06 13:35:47 EDT wrote

Access to online information has become as critical to participate in today's society as literacy is. Every effort should be made to make online access available to everyone regardless of geographic location or financial status. CAP sites are an important piece of that effort and need to be supported further.

Izabela — 2010–07–06 13:45:17 EDT wrote

Below are just a few highlights of how CAP sites are connecting individuals with the effective utilization of ICTs. We invite you to read the stories, which are featured in our online magazine, The CAPYI 2009 Magazine Online.

DanRobichaud — 2010–07–06 16:36:35 EDT wrote

In Canada, we have only ever lived in an online society which of the Community Access Program bridged the barrier of the digital divide.

CAP is a valuable resource in developing a society which embraces the moral and ethical use of ICTs.

You can view highlights of what CAP sites do in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at The Halifax Regional CAP Association

colleenfraser — 2010–07–07 08:56:30 EDT wrote

As a 22–year old youth in my third Summer working for CAP, I have seen firsthand the difference this program makes in a community.

As a Summer intern, I have been able to help Youth learn the detrimental effects of cyber–bullying, senior citizens embrace an involved and informed lifestyle, and children discover more about the history of their community; all through the resources provided by CAP.

The Community Centre in Beaver Bank, including the CAP site it housed, was destroyed by fire this past Fall. The aftermath of this event has made the impact of CAP even more evident. There is now a hole where there once was connectivity, togetherness, and learning.

In my opinion, on a smaller scale, this demonstrates the gap that is forming in the program as a whole. Without proper funding, we are losing the brilliant opportunities that CAP is able to provide.

Cathy Burgess — 2010–07–07 11:14:54 EDT wrote

Throughout our country, there are still those who can not afford to own their own computer or pay for the internet. Without CAP sites these individuals would be at a disadvantage. Educational institutions at all levels require projects & papers typed and submitted in many cases online to teachers. Students today, use the internet as a tool to research as we once used books.

javanl — 2010–07–07 16:39:22 EDT wrote

To remain competitive with its economic peers, Canada needs to actively and aggressively develop cultures of ICT use from coast to coast to coast.

This is one of many roles that CAP sites have played, and must continue to play. They are playing a critically important role in defining and fostering best practices and generally fostering cultures of use. They need more investment, not less.

KeeganM — 2010–07–07 20:31:08 EDT wrote

This is my third year as a student intern with the C@P program. I have seen just how valuable it can be to a community. Our site is located in a very small community, where many citizens are seniors who have had no real experience with information technology, and who often come to us for assistance or training when they need to perform a computer–related task. C@P sites have proven themselves to be instrumental in bridging the ever–widening digital divide, and I think it would be quite detrimental should the organization lose its funding.

irwhite — 2010–07–08 08:02:13 EDT wrote

The Community Access Program is just that — it provides access to information technology to those who would not have access otherwise. My Canada strives to be as equitable as possible and is a country where no one gets left behind. C@P is part of my Canada.

IsaLeblanc — 2010–07–08 09:39:19 EDT wrote

In the consultation paper, the government said "for Canada to become a leader in the digital economy, digital skills development must be fostered in all Canadians.". In my point of view, the best way to address this challenge is to use the C@P sites that are actually in place all across the country. With more ressources (financial and human), the Community Access Program would be able to continue providing access to Internet and ICT. Also, with more support from the government and an important role in the digital strategy, the C@P sites would be able to continue offering training and help Canadians who need to improve their digital skills. In adding new responsibilities and redefining the role of the sites, they could help businesses and employees with ongoing up–skilling and training, providing training on cyber security, supporting citizens and businesses for online transactions, etc. These last items were mentionned in the consultation paper as challenges and I feel the C@P sites could be the reference locally for this. We really need to do something to reduce the digital divide and I agree that C@P sites need to continue and be compliment.

Jen Clifford — 2010–07–08 09:58:46 EDT wrote

In today's word of digital living life style, it is not only helpful but imperative, if not essential, to learn and be able to safely use the many digital technologies available. The C@P site program is a leader in informing and providing access to such skills and technologies. By not providing the well needed funding, the government is sending the population the message that once again, our problems and needs are of little concern to them. Many members of the community depend on the program and it not only provides access to technology, but propagates and educates individual on the ever growing concern of internet and computer saftey. As a worker in a C@P site, I am able to see first hand all the amazing improvements volounteers and C@P site workers have been making, despite limited funding and restricted government support. Such dedication to the community is inspiring and it is my strong belief that the government should start recognizing how important and critical the C@P site program is to the community.

spencerhouse — 2010–07–08 10:36:57 EDT wrote

CAP is one of the best value for money programs in the country. Over the years, we have been able to help hundreds of seniors overcome the digital divide, keeping costs down by using volunteer trainers and covering overhead costs. Our site also draws in many low–income and marginalized users from the downtown core. Funding to continue the program is crucial to enable sites with limited resources to maintain internet access and stay current with new and assistive technology.

susan123 — 2010–07–08 10:55:53 EDT wrote

CAP is an excellent program and should be continued. It offers many opportunites for locals, tourists, youth and seniors.

edmurray — 2010–07–08 11:13:58 EDT wrote

C@P is such an important program in rural communities where are are such limited oppotunities of computer access and training options. For many people, the C@P site is the only place they can access govenment forms that they need. Please provide stable funding for our sites.

DreamAngel — 2010–07–08 11:58:50 EDT wrote

When I was teaching full time in the C@P site here in Cole Harbour my time was booked solid with seniors who wanted to learn "what all the fuss was about" as I've been told. Many of them came back time and again to improve on the basics. Without the C@P side many of them would still be on the outside looking in. It's not fair to them or to our society in this day and age to have anyone without the skills many take for granted.

wryandginger — 2010–07–08 12:49:49 EDT wrote

The Gerontology Association of Nova Scotia is working with C@P to provide an online social space for senior citizens in Nova Scotia. Without the assistance of C@P, we would absolutely not be able to provide this program. Please do not cut this valuable service.

Cheryl Cook
Board Member
Gerontology Association of Nova Scotia

noreenrichard — 2010–07–08 13:40:18 EDT wrote

As a person involved in C@P for over 10 years I have seen the real difference it has made in people's lives. It is the invisible people in our community that have an opportunity to be visible. It is our responsibility as Canadian citizens to allow all people an opportunity to be part of the digital world. C@P sites and the government support of such sites plays a crucial role in allowing the have–nots engage in one I believe is a basic right of all its citizens. I have seen how the children who have access to computers start school much more advanced than those who do not have access to any computers. I have seen the difference C@P sites have made to low income children and their experience helping them to come closer to their peers who are more fortunate. I have also witness first hand the impact on the mental health of participants. Participants who live far away from family members have found ways to communicate which is not costly. It has made a real difference in their lives. C@P sites are resources in our community which would impact even more if funding levels for each site allowed for some consistent staffing. It would be a wise investment. Investing in the grass roots means making a difference in lives of the people in most need of the service. I am a citizen of Canada and my vote would be in support of investing further in C@P sites across Canada, not cutting the program. Invest, invest, invest in people. It is important for everyone in Canada to have access to the Internet and to make sure we do not create a further digital divides, that we work towards solutions of decreasing the digital divide and investing in having our citizens compete on the world level.

sjmurray — 2010–07–08 13:40:31 EDT wrote

There are still so many people who do not have access or knowledge of how to access the internet. In todays society people are at a disadvantage if internet access is not available to everyone. C@P sites are essential and should definately have continued funding.

Judi — 2010–07–09 10:42:32 EDT wrote

The need to continue and increase CAP funding is essential if we want to reduce the digitial divide. Many conintue to be excluded because of lack of finances, skills and education from accessing the information, resources and social connections available through the internet and web. This perpetuates and increases social and economic inequality as those who are marginialized will become increasingly marginalized. Increasing and expanding CAP funding is critical if we wish to avoid this.

songyuni — 2010–07–09 14:02:44 EDT wrote

Canadian economic is not getting better, I observe a increasing number of people comming to use the CAP facilities.

I strongly urge governmetn sending delegates down to the community, talk to our participants, listen to their comments on the importance CAP is playing in their daily lives. Digital connection is not a living style but a basic human rights. Without the continued financial supporting from the government, a large group of people in the community will have nowhere to go!

CIPA — 2010–07–12 10:29:57 EDT wrote

I am the CEO of a non profit corporation (CIPA inc.) that aim to contribute to the development of rural communities accross Canada by way of a strategic use of technologies. With the many strategic partnerships built in the pass 10 years, CIPA delivered numerous development projects that contributed directly to digital economy in Canada. One of our project is CIPA's web For All Initiative with the collaboration of Industry Canada and many CAP sites accross Canada. Since 2004, this yearly initiative provided to more than 1,800 Canadians with disabilities a facilitated access to IT by way of adaptated workstations put in place in CAP sites located in Canadian rurality. Furthermore, this Initiative creates jobs directly in regions of Canada that need it the most. It is important that Industry Canada continue to support and developp the CAP, the CAPYI and the CAP sites. It is also important that Industry Canada consider supporting more concretely CIPA's Web For All Initiative in order to permit us to reach more Canadians. There is still a lot of work to do in rural Canada.

Maureen Fraser — 2010–07–13 15:03:40 EDT wrote

CAP has made a real difference in rural communities, particularly with youth and seniors, in terms of providing opportunities to learn and interact with the world using technology in a welcoming, comfortable and convenient setting. The Program is one of very few tangible examples of Government dollars at work in communities, and it does not make any sense at all to do away with something that represents a high return on a low dollar investment. Canadians paid attention when Government announced that Canada would number in the top 10 connected countries in the world. It is interesting to note that beyond the CAP initiative, there is very little evidence of Government making an effort to keep its promise. As a Canadian, a voter and a global citizen, I am asking Government at all levels to show support for continuous learning, connected communities and global awareness by continuing to fund the CAP initiative.