FAQs

  • What is the objective of CFS?

    CFS helps Canadian learners gain greater access to computer technology in order to develop the skills needed to thrive in a knowledge-based economy.

    http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cfs-ope.nsf/eng/h_00026.html#q1
  • What are the key benefits of CFS?

    Placing more computers into classrooms means that Canadian students get more hands-on opportunities to learn about computers and new technology, to develop new skills, and to learn how to make better use of the Internet.

    CFS completely refurbishes donated equipment by replacing parts, wiping hard drives, installing operating systems, and thoroughly cleaning and repackaging each unit for distribution to schools, libraries, not-for-profit learning organizations and Aboriginal communities anywhere in Canada.

    CFS plays an important role in meeting the objectives of the government's Youth Employment Strategy by employing in its network of computer repair centres technical program graduates in order to gain technical work experience. The program also supports co-op students, youth interns, students, youths at risk, contract technicians, labourers, and people with physical and/or mental disabilities, as well as using the services of hundreds of volunteers whom also have the opportunity gain technical work experience.

    CFS also provides environmental benefits by ensuring that computer systems are reused and recycled so that they do not end up in landfill sites prematurely. Non-working systems are stripped of all functional parts and are then used to repair other systems. In provinces where there is legislation pertaining to the recycling and management of e-waste and where these programs have been officially implemented, recipients must use them to dispose of those specific types of e-waste equipment designated under provincial legislation, unless the recipient can substantiate that its method of handling e-waste exceeds the provincial standards. Where no provincial recycling program is available or exists, the recipient will direct all program related electronic waste material to the federal government approved recycler that holds the current standing offer for e-waste recycling services.

    http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cfs-ope.nsf/eng/h_00026.html#q2
  • Where can I obtain a donation form and can I submit it over the Internet?

    Call CFS at 1-800-622-6232 (1-800-OCANADA) or you can find and submit your form on our website.

    http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cfs-ope.nsf/eng/h_00026.html#q3
  • What type of equipment do you accept?

    In order to minimize the time needed for refurbishment and delivery of computers to our clients, CFS can only accept donated equipment in good working order. CFS accepts IBM-compatible computers of the Pentium IV level or better, and Macintosh computers at the Power PC level or better. Schools and libraries are asking for Pentium IV class or equivalent equipment as this is the level of technology required to handle the education software used in the classroom and effective connection to the Internet. Accessories such as working colour monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, modems, scanners, digital cameras CD-ROM drives, hard drives and memory sticks are also required.

    http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cfs-ope.nsf/eng/h_00026.html#q4
  • Can I obtain a tax receipt for the computer equipment that I donate to CFS?

    Yes, tax receipts are available, providing the donated computers are at least of the Pentium IV level or equivalent and intact. In addition to complete systems, tax receipts are available for donations of working components such as colour monitors, hard drives, memory chips, printers, scanners, CD-ROM drives, modems, servers and digital cameras.

    http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cfs-ope.nsf/eng/h_00026.html#q5
  • How can a school obtain an application form?

    You can obtain the application form by visiting our website and clicking here: Computer Equipment Request Form. You may also contact CFS within your province or territory to obtain additional information.

    http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cfs-ope.nsf/eng/h_00026.html#q6
  • After I apply for computers, when will they be delivered?

    The delivery time for hardware depends on the availability and works on a first come, first serve basis. Once the equipment is ready for distribution, arrangements are made for shipments. Applicants should consult their provincial/territorial representative for details.

    http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cfs-ope.nsf/eng/h_00026.html#q7
  • Does my school/library/not-for-profit organization/Aboriginal community have to pay for hardware received from CFS?

    Warehousing and repair costs for the most part are absorbed by sponsors of the CFS program. A school/library/not-for-profit learning organization/Aboriginal community may be asked to pay for the cost of upgrading the donated computers to meet their needs. However, there may be costs associated with transportation from the provincial or territorial refurbishment centres. Your provincial/territorial representative will be able to provide more details.

    http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cfs-ope.nsf/eng/h_00026.html#q8
  • What if my school/library/not-for-profit organization/Aboriginal community receives a computer from CFS that doesn't work?

    While every effort is made to deliver working computers, shipment may create some difficulties. Should you receive a non-functioning unit, please contact your provincial/territorial representative and will be replaced.

    http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cfs-ope.nsf/eng/h_00026.html#q9
  • What is the federal E-waste disposal strategy?

    The Government of Canada has put in place a strategy for the environmentally sound and secure disposal of all of federal surplus electronic and electrical equipment. The Federal E-waste Disposal Strategy emphasizes reuse prior to recycling, where possible. Reuse options include donation to Computers for Schools, interdepartmental transfer, charitable donation and sale to the public. The Strategy provides recycling options for equipment that cannot be reused including disposal through provincial recycling programs and a standing offer for e-waste recycling services. The Strategy is contributing to the realization of the green economy in Canada by creating green jobs, diverting e-waste from landfill, supporting provincial recycling infrastructure and providing computer-based educational and learning opportunities.

    http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cfs-ope.nsf/eng/h_00026.html#q10
  • How can I contact you?

    Call Computers for Schools from anywhere in Canada at 1-800-622-6232 (1-800-OCANADA), or send us a fax us at 613-957-1201. You can also find us on the Internet at: http://cfs-ope.ic.gc.ca

    Our Mailing Address is:

    Computers for Schools Program
    Industry Canada
    235 Queen St., 6th Floor
    Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5
    Toll Free: 1-800-622-6232 (1-800-OCANADA)
    Fax: 613-957-1201
    Email: CFS-OPE.info@ic.gc.ca

    http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cfs-ope.nsf/eng/h_00026.html#q11