Toronto, March 14, 2016 – Computers for Success Canada (CFSC) is pleased to echo today’s announcement by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) of Canada’s investment to provide over 7,500 computers for Syrian families, as part of the #WelcomeRefugees initiative.
“Technology is a necessary part of Canadians’ access to services, and participation in our society and economy. We are proud to participate in the Government of Canada’s support for Syrian refugees as they settle into life here”, said CFSC Executive Director, Toby Harper-Merrett. “In collaboration with the CFS program across the country, our role is to ensure that all Canadians can fully take advantage of the opportunities of our digital society.”
CFSC will also be working with national partners to offer complementary services to refugees. Partnerships with Microsoft, CN, CIBC, MediaSmarts, Facebook, and the Canada Research Chair in Sociocultural Issues of Digital Technology in Education will help provide a more robust offering of computers and services.
“The role of technology in our economy and society continues to grow – business and academic opportunities are increasingly digital. We are confident this project will have a positive impact on the lives, at work and play, of Syrian refugees – and their ability to connect and contribute in Canada.”
The distribution of over 7,500 refurbished computers has already begun, through the national CFS program and refugee resettlement organizations. These computers will be provided with licenses for Windows operating systems and Office suites through a generous donation from Microsoft. All computers will be distributed by December 31, 2016.
“RCT has already forged 9 partnerships and over 500 computers are committed to Syrian Families that have arrived in Canada”, said Shauna L. McCaffrey, Executive Director of RTC, the CFS provincial affiliate in Ontario. “We are hoping to empower each family as they arrive by equipping them with pre-loaded digital modules such as job search, interviews tips as well as technical skills for setting up a wireless network or learning the software provided on their computers.”
About CFSC
Computers for Success Canada (CFSC) is a national non-profit organization established in 2005, focusing its services on Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s CFS program and the impacts of digital inclusion and economic participation. CFSC’s services stand in four pillars – marketing and communications, partnership development, project management, and strategic planning.