Press Releases

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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