Press Releases

12/12/2018

Computers for Success – Canada Inc. (CFSC) is proud of the key role it has played in delivering Innovation, Science and Economic Development’s (ISED) Connecting Families initiative to increase Internet accessibility for low-income Canadian families.

Working with ISED and Internet Service Provider (ISP) partners in the initiative, CFSC managed the development of a secure online portal to qualify and anonymously connect selected eligible families with ISPs voluntarily offering a $10 monthly Internet plan. The portal went live on November 12 and by the end of November, thousands of families were already being served $10 Internet.

“Access to affordable home Internet for the lowest income Canadian families creates real opportunities for those most at risk of exclusion from our digital world,” said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director of CFSC. “As an organization focused on social impact, we are most proud of the team’s commitment to centering the service experience on ‘edge’ cases – those who are also perhaps living with a disability, low levels of literacy, or are facing additional challenges”.

“The Connecting Families Initiative is providing more Canadians with affordable access to Internet services and helping to bridge the digital divide. This initiative is a good example of how Government is working with the telecom industry to ensure that all Canadians can benefit from the digital economy,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED).

This initiative is part of a suite of digital skills, accessibility and Internet programs that encourages the participation of more Canadians in the digital economy, so they can benefit from completing education, finding employment and accessing programs and services.

“Working on this initiative has been a unique opportunity as it brings together Government, Canada’s telecommunications industry, and the community sector, working towards a common goal of digital inclusion for more Canadian families,” added Toby Harper-Merrett.

Through the initiative, the Government of Canada is also making available 50,000 refurbished desktop computers through its Computers for Schools program. ” We are deeply appreciative of the contributions of the Computers for Schools affiliate organizations across the country that ensure households without a device to connect to the Internet can also take advantage of the Connecting Families initiative”. At the end of November, close to 20,000 computers had already been ordered through the initiative.

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07/06/2018

Montreal, June 7, 2018 – Today, access to residential Internet is essential to economic, social, and educational opportunity, yet many Canadian families make significant trade-offs in order to pay for it. Computers for Success – Canada Inc. (CFSC) is proud to be involved in Innovation, Science and Economic Development’s (ISED) Connecting Families initiative to increase Internet affordability for low-income Canadians.

Announced by Minister Navdeep Bains at the Canadian Telecom Summit in Toronto, the initiative brings together seven Internet Service Providers (ISPs) across the country — Bell, Cogeco, Rogers, SaskTel, Shaw, TELUS and Videotron – that are partnering with the Government of Canada to offer low-cost service to eligible households. Connecting Families is set to run until 2022 and CFSC will develop a secure online portal that will enable eligible low-income Canadian families to access the $10 per month high speed Internet service from participating Internet Service Providers while protecting their privacy. Up to 50,000 computers will also be made available to eligible families through the Computers for Schools program.

“Computers and Internet are basic tools Canadians rely on for access to public services, education and employment, said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director of CFSC-OPEC. Our organization, and others delivering ISED’s Computers for Schools program, bring decades of community-sector knowledge to this initiative that will provide more Canadian families access to the valuable resources available to them online.”

The initiative was designed to connect low income families to the Internet. As such, Canadian families that currently receive the maximum Child Care Benefit (CCB) are eligible for this initiative. Eligible households will have access to residential wireline Internet service for $10 per month, with no less than 10 Mbps download speeds (or the fastest available) and no less than 100GB of data usage each, with no equipment or installation fees applied. As the cost of computer hardware is also a barrier for some families, a target of 50,000 computers will be distributed to eligible families through the existing Computers for Schools (CFS) program.

“Family income should not be a barrier to making an appointment or completing homework. This affordability initiative will help low-income Canadian families spend less of their household budget on Internet, and for others address significant challenges to getting online at all.” added Mr. Harper-Merrett.

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23/05/2018

Montreal, May 23, 2018 – Computers for Success – Canada Inc. (CFSC) has been awarded the Microsoft 2018 IMPACT Citizenship Award. The award recognizes Microsoft technology partners who have a direct and immediate effect on improving the communities in which they operate, helping people realize their full potential. 

CFSC’s partnership with Microsoft serves the Government of Canada’s Computers for Schools (CFS) program. Since 1993, through technical work experience internships, the CFS program has refurbished and distributed more than 1.5 million computers for schools, libraries and not-for-profit organizations across Canada.

“On behalf of Computers for Schools partner organizations, we are honoured by this recognition of the impacts of the CFS program” said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director of CFSC-OPEC. “The program provides Canadians with access to the technology they need to develop essential skills and participate in our digital economy.”

Each year, Microsoft Canada hosts the IMPACT Awards to celebrate innovation in technology recognizing the work their partners do to deliver virtually seamless solutions to customers. The IMPACT Awards seek to showcase the excellence and innovation within the Microsoft Canadian Partner community.* https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/sites/impact-awards/default.aspx

“CFSC-OPEC’s partnership with Microsoft plays a key role in serving populations at risk of digital exclusion” added Mr. Harper-Merrett. “providing learners and other beneficiary Canadians with the technology and tools for inclusive innovation.”

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20/10/2017

Ottawa, October 20, 2017 – A month after receiving the award for Best Social Enterprise Startup in the North, Pinnguaq Association is proud to have been selected as 2017’s Best Social Enterprise in Canada at the Startup Canada Grand Finale in Ottawa.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized for the work being done to include Nunavummiut in Canada’s digital economy”, said Ryan Oliver, Director, Pinnguaq. “This prestigious award signifies the importance of digital inclusion for all Canadians.“

Pinnguaq is the organization behind the te(a)ch program, addressing the particular technology and skills challenges facing youth in Nunavut. Among 13 delivery partners for the Government of Canada’s Computers for Schools (CFS) program in each province and territory, Pinnguaq also operates the CFS program in Nunavut that supplies the computers to the te(a)ch program.

“The CFS program’s intended environmental, social and economic impacts rely on the transfer of tools and knowledge through trusted partners such as Pinnguaq.” said CFSC’s Executive Director, Toby Harper-Merrett.

The te(a)ch program brings together a team of technical experts, curriculum developers, mental health workers and youth ambassadors from the north and south to work together on an online infrastructure that includes 100 lessons of curriculum to teach programming, game design, engineering and computer science from an introductory to an advanced level.

Through a partnership with CFSC-OPEC, Pinnguaq deploys these programs in key communities across the North, so that individuals can build and sustain their digital skills. CFSC-OPEC receives funding under the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada-led CFS program.

“Pinnguaq’s ability to reach communities across Nunavut, to deliver computers, transfer digital skills and work toward economic development is exceptional and fully deserving of this recognition”

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29/09/2017

Toronto, ON – “The delivery of 1.5 million refurbished computers by the CFS program, to schools, libraries, Indigenous communities and low-income households, is a milestone that has significantly impacted the lives of many Canadians over the past 24 years. This achievement is the result of the dedicated work of 13 independent provincial and territorial CFS affiliates, and we thank them for their commitment.”

In this 150^th year of Canadian confederation, Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director of CFSC-OPEC, is pleased to celebrate today’s 1.5 millionth computer delivery, by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED).

“My congratulations to everyone involved with Computers for Schools – this is a big milestone, said Minister Bains. Today’s celebration marks another important step toward creating the innovation culture that will sustain our job growth and ensure our success in the digital age. We especially need more women and other under-represented groups to learn the digital skills they need for the jobs of the future. Canada will only succeed if we use everybody’s talents to their full potential.”

Since 1993, the CFS program has helped meet the demand for computers in Canadian classrooms and communities. “Contributions to all sectors of the economy depend on Canadians’ ability to access, adopt and integrate digital technologies, connect to the Internet and develop the digital skills that have become an essential part of economic participation”.

“As the program continues to grow, more than ever it relies on the support of corporate technology donors”, added Mr. Harper-Merrett. Historically, a third of the computers refurbished by the program have come from the federal Government, a third from provincial and territorial Governments and a third from the private sector. 

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09/12/2016

The Pinnguaq Association is proud to have been selected as the 2016 Arctic Inspiration Award laureate for the te(a)ch project and is looking forward to the next phase of collaboration with Computers for Success Canada (CFSC).

“Computer Science is not taught at any level in Nunavut and te(a)ch is a step to provide equal learning opportunities in the digital economy”, said Ryan Oliver, Director, Pinnguaq. “It is an honour to be recognized for the work being done to include Nunavummiut in Canada’s digital economy. Through a collaborative, multi-sector partnership, the te(a)ch program will work to address the particular technology and skills challenges facing youth in Nunavut.”

Through the te(a)ch program, a team of technical experts, curriculum developers, mental health workers and youth ambassadors from the north and south work together on an online infrastructure that includes 52 weeks of curriculum to teach programming, game design, engineering and computer science from an introductory to an advanced level.

Through a partnership with CFSC, Pinnguaq is deploying the program in key communities across the North, so that individuals can build and sustain their digital skills. CFSC receives funding under the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada-led CFS program.

“CFSC is proud to partner with Pinnguaq in this very unique program, that reflects our shared vision of digital inclusion for all Canadians, said CFSC’s Executive Director, Toby Harper-Merrett. The CFS program’s intended environmental, social and economic impacts rely on the transfer of tools and knowledge through trusted partners such as Pinnguaq. This partnership provides the ability to reach communities across Nunavut, to provide computers, and work toward economic development.”

Founded in 2012, the Arctic Inspiration Prize recognizes and promotes the extraordinary contribution made by teams in the gathering of Arctic knowledge and their plans to implement this knowledge to real world applications for the benefit of the Canadian Arctic, Arctic Peoples and therefore Canada as a whole.

About Pinnguaq

The Pinnguaq Association was created as a not for profit Pangnirtung-based technology startup in 2012 with the goal of providing play experiences in Indigenous Languages.  Since then, the organization has begun to embrace ways of incorporating play and gaming into wide reaching applications that can benefit tourism, education and economic development.  At the root of our mission statement is the embracing of technology as a means of unifying and enabling Nunavummiut.

About CFSC

Computers for Success – Canada Inc. (CFSC-OPEC https://staging.cfsc-opec.org ) is a national non-profit organization established in 2005, supporting Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s CFS program and its intended impacts of digital inclusion and economic development. CFSC-OPEC’s hub of services to the CFS program include marketing and communications, partnership development, project management, and strategic planning.

About the CFS program

CFS is a national program that refurbishes and delivers, at little or no cost, technology from government organizations, private businesses and individuals, in support of digital inclusion and economic development. Computers are distributed to schools and non-profit organizations supporting youth, seniors, low-income Canadians, new Canadians, Indigenous people and other eligible recipients across Canada.

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01/11/2016

MONTREAL, November 1, 2016 – In celebration of National Skilled Trades and Technology Week, Computers for Success Canada (CFSC-OPEC) is pleased to announce a multi-year Gold Level Supplier agreement with Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC)’s national competition: the only national multi-trade and technology event for skilled trade and technology students and apprentices.

“The CFS program and SCC are aligned in their support of Canadian economic and social development. For several years, CFS licensees have supplied refurbished computers to SCC’s national competition and it was entirely natural for us to grow that relationship with a multi-year agreement benefitting the shared objectives of the CFS program and SCC”, said CFSC-OPEC Executive Director, Toby Harper-Merrett.

Under this agreement, the CFS program will continue to provide computers and support for the Skills Canada National Competition, as well as the provision of equipment and training support for the WorldSkills Team Canada.

“The CFS program’s intended impacts include opportunities for youth to develop the digital skills they need to contribute to Canadian economic development. By providing technology, support and training, we will contribute not only to the Skills Canada National Competition but to CFS program objectives across Canada,” added Mr. Harper-Merrett.

CFS is a national program that refurbishes and delivers, at little or no cost, technology and training from government organizations, private businesses and individuals, in support of digital inclusion and economic development. Computers are distributed to schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations supporting youth, seniors, low-income Canadians, new Canadians, First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, and other eligible recipients across Canada.

“Partnerships with organizations like CFSC-OPEC are crucial to expanding not only the awareness of technology-based careers but also the skills required to work effectively in technology rich environments”, said Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer, Skills/Compétences Canada. “By providing the opportunity for students to perform in a competitive format with the relevant equipment and tools, we better prepare them for the transition from the classroom to the workplace,” added Mr. Thorson.

About CFSC-OPEC

Computers for Success Canada (CFSC-OPEC) is a national non-profit organization established in 2005, supporting Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s CFS program and its impacts of digital inclusion and economic development. CFSC’s services to the CFS program stand in four pillars: marketing and communications, partnership development, project management, and strategic planning.

About Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC)
SCC was founded in 1989 as a national, not-for-profit organization with partner Skills Canada organizations in each of the provinces/territories that work with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trade and technology careers among Canadian youth. Its unique position among private and public sector partners enables it to work toward securing Canada’s future skilled labour needs while helping young people discover rewarding careers. SCC offers experiential learning opportunities including skilled trade and technology competitions for hundreds of thousands of young Canadians through regional, provincial/territorial, national and international events, as well as skilled trades awareness programs. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Skills/Compétences Canada is the Canadian member organization of WorldSkills. For more information, visit www.skillscanada.com or call 877-754-5226.

Follow Skills/Compétences Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.

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22/06/2016

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.

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