Equal Access to Digital Services for Off–Reserve Aboriginal Peoples

Summary

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is a non–profit National Aboriginal Organization representing the interests of the off–reserve non–status and status Indians, and Métis Aboriginal Peoples living in urban, rural, remote and isolated areas throughout Canada. We are the national voice for this constituency and of their affiliate organizations that make up the Congress family of advocates for the off–reserve Aboriginal Peoples of Canada.

CAP is pleased to contribute to this undertaking to better understand Canada's digital economy and services. This submission focuses on the digital needs of the CAP constituency who reside in all areas of Canada. CAP will limit its response to these discussion questions: Innovation Using Digital Technologies, Digital Infrastructure and Building Digital Skills.

The primary goal is to demonstrate the diverse uses of digital technology among our constituents and the challenges many Aboriginal Peoples face when trying to access digital services. The Congress has been made aware of the relatively slow adoption of digital technologies within the organization to increase productivity, the inadequacies and gaps in Canada's broadband infrastructure in rural and remote areas and the barriers faced by Aboriginal Youth to enter the high tech work force.

The Congress and its affiliate organizations are shifting focus to be more transparent and maintain open communication to the constituency. Information technology solutions are a major component of our outreach and marketing strategy. These technologies will help the organizations take the appropriate steps toward informing and preparing all Aboriginal Peoples to take advantage of Canada's emerging digital economy.

Submission

Improving Canada's Digital Advantage: Strategies for Sustainable Prosperity

Equal Access to Digital Services for off–reserve Aboriginal Peoples

Consultation Questions

What would a successful digital strategy look like for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples? What are the barriers to implementation?

Maintaining a strong network of information sharing between the Congress and its affiliates requires constant communication through various forms of media; such as, telephone, email, courier, newsletters or press releases. The need for instant feedback or connectivity is not always satisfied using the methods listed above; rather a technology based solution may provide better results with less chance of losing valuable information. Given that the CAP affiliates and their respective members live in all areas of Canada, CAP must be able to provide adequate and timely services no matter where the constituency may reside.

To consolidate its efforts CAP proposes creating a central hub for information and service delivery that can be relayed to the CAP regional affiliates on an as–needed basis. There is no need for each affiliate to be both an information specialist and service provider if there is little or no demand for such expertise. A centralized system may address the challenge of data collection, arrangement and dissemination for CAP affiliates and facilitate research and information gathering for the constituency.

CAP can model its information sharing system to resemble the same digital technologies standards employed in government departments. The management of data should be similar between CAP and government agencies as both deal with the issue of handling multiple sources of information and the burden of making informed decisions based on that information. The structure of any digital solution must serve to improve the flow of information and collaboration between interested parties.

The barrier toward implementing any digital solution is to procure the necessary resources, expertise and knowledge training to affect positive change. The cost to benefit ratio of a digital solution must result in a significant gain to productivity and efficiency for the organization.

How best can we ensure that rural and remote communities are not left behind in terms of access to advanced networks and what are the priority areas for attention in these regions?

The Congress is moving toward a web–based approach for overall communication and service delivery strategies. CAP is responding to its affiliates' need for up–to–the–minute data on government funding initiatives, labour market intelligence and other resources usually found online. Given that approximately 80% of CAP constituents live in and around urban areas, the availability of advanced networks is present for those with the means to access online services. For the 20% who live in rural, remote and isolated areas of Canada the broadband infrastructure may not be fully developed or the access to the service may be cost–prohibitive.

Addressing the infrastructure and cost barrier associated with broadband services in rural, remote and isolates areas must involve innovative and cost effective solutions. Canada's geography presents a physical obstacle to the construction of wired services for North of 60° communities. As a result wireless solutions to maximize services for broadband use must be considered. The Congress is eager to be involved in the discussions to widen Canada's broadband service delivery for rural, remote and isolated areas.

In addition to strengthening Canada's advanced networks, CAP must also consider the cost to access broadband services and the competition between broadband service providers. According to Statistics Canada, the average Aboriginal family income for those living off–reserve is approximately $23,000 compared to the average Canadian family income of $38,000¹. The cost of any broadband service must take into account the comparatively low income Aboriginal household and market a tailored approach to servicing this demographic.

¹ 2001 Census table — Family Income Groups (21), Sex (3) and Aboriginal Group of Lone Parent (11) for Lone–parent Census Families in Private Households, for Canada, Provinces and Territories, 2000 — 20% Sample Data

What efforts are needed to address the talent needs in the coming years?

One of the priorities of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is to increase Aboriginal Peoples' participation in the labour market. CAP received direction and feedback from its affiliates and constituency indicating the main barriers for Aboriginal Peoples entering the labour market is:

1. The cost of education and skills training and
2. The lack of knowledge of the labour market as a whole

The high tech industry must provide a marketing strategy to introduce potential career opportunities for Aboriginal Youth. The challenge for many Aboriginal Youth is a lack of knowledge about the industry as a whole and a lack of education planning for those who wish to enter this sector. Both the high tech industry and educational institutions must encourage Aboriginal enrolment in computer science and engineering programs at the university and college level.

The high tech industry must market to Aboriginal Youth and educate them about the career paths available within the industry. Showcasing Aboriginal role models in the high tech industry will raise awareness about employment opportunities available in Canada. This showcase of Aboriginal achievement in the high tech industry may entice Aboriginal Youth to pursue education at the post–secondary level. The industry must provide a list of the potential careers and positions available upon graduation from a post–secondary institution with a background in high tech education.

Suggested URL: Congress of Aboriginal Peoples website