Computers for Success Canada Celebrates 20 Years of Impact Advancing Digital Inclusion Across Canada

MONTREAL, QC — January 5th 2026

For two decades, Computers for Success Canada (CFSC) has advanced digital inclusion by helping underserved Canadians gain access to essential digital tools, skills, and opportunities. In collaboration with the Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program, funded by the Government of Canada, and its nationwide network of affiliates, CFSC has helped bridge the digital divide and build a more inclusive digital society ensuring Canadians of all ages and backgrounds can participate fully in today’s economy.

Since 1995, the Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program has helped distribute more than 2.2 million refurbished digital devices to schools, indigenous communities, low-income families, seniors, immigrants, and refugees across every province and territory strengthening digital inclusion while reducing electronic waste.

Despite improvements, significant digital inclusion gaps persist in Canada. Nearly 1 in 4 Canadians have very limited engagement with digital technologies, and only about 30 % are considered highly prepared with essential digital skills highlighting the ongoing need for device access, training, and equitable technology support, according to 2019 data from Statistics Canada. And over 2 million Canadians were not using the internet in 2024, highlighting persistent digital exclusion tied to access barriers (DataReportal 2024).

Over the past decade, CFSC has:

·      Facilitated the donation of over 130,000 electronic devices through the CEO Pledge, engaging more than 50 Canadian CEOs and their organizations committed to advancing digital inclusion. Participating companies include Microsoft, TD, Desjardins,Deloitte, Bell, Cogeco, Canada Life, Sun Life, Beneva, and others.

·      Facilitated the delivery of 7,500 computers to incoming Syrian families through the #WelcomeRefugees initiative, a precursor to the Connecting Families Initiative.

·      Enabled more than 100,000 low-income families and seniors to access affordable internet through the Government of Canada’s Connecting Families Initiative.

·      Worked closely in collaboration with the University of Montreal and other research universities to create a multi-disciplinary Scientific Committee that conducted multiple studies on the state of Digital Inclusion in Canada.

·      Became Multi-Games partner for the Canada Games 2027,2029 and 2031 sporting events during which CFS+ provincial Affiliates contribute by donating essential IT equipment and providing on-site technical support. Ensuring a more sustainable, environmentally friendly Canada Games. 

These results are driven by a unique national model built on a network of regional affiliates operating in every province and territory. By adapting programs to local needs while aligning with national objectives, this collaborative approach allows CFSC to scale impact across the country while remaining deeply rooted in communities.

Building on 20 years of impact,CFSC is unveiling a modernized visual identity and website, designed to better support its affiliates, partners, and mission. This evolution reflects an organization focused on the future while remaining firmly committed to making digital technology a driver of equity, opportunity, and environmental sustainability for all Canadians.

“For 20 years, Computers for Success Canada has shown that extending the life of technology can deliver meaningful social and environmental impact. That impact is the result of strong partnerships, dedicated Computers for Schools Plus affiliates, and a shared belief that technology should be a force for inclusion.”
— Ron Duerksen,Chief Executive Officer, Computers for Success Canada

ABOUT CFSC-OPEC

Computers for Success – Canada Inc. (CFSC-OPEC) is a non-profit organization established in 2005 that supports the impact of the Government of Canada’s digital inclusion and economic development programs. CFSC-OPEC’s mission isbased on three pillars: reducing digital waste, fostering a digital workforce, and facilitating digital inclusion.

ABOUT CFS+

Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) is a national, partnership-based program that refurbishes digital devices donated by municipal, provincial, and federal governments, private companies, and individuals for redistribution to schools, libraries, non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, and eligible low-income individuals. The program is funded by the Government of Canada through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR INTERVIEW REQUESTS CONTACT:
Grace Ngingi communications@cfsc-opec.org

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