Press Releases

14/02/2023

“I, and the CFSC-OPEC organization, look forward to working with Rémi. He brings to the organisation a robust background in communications, public relations and community relations that will serve the organisation in its efforts to reach out to our various clienteles. Being a Franco-American, Rémi is bilingual and comes with a thorough understanding of the English and French-Canadian cultures and media landscapes having worked with various clients in different industries across Canada,” said Michel Langelier, Executive Director of CFSC-OPEC.

Francoeur comes to us with over ten years of experience in American electoral politics and strategic communications. He has been creating and implementing strategic public relations, communications, government relations and crisis management plans with various clients in the last seven years since moving to Canada.

“We are confident that Rémi will help CFSC-OPEC’s message shine while expanding its reach,” added Langelier.

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09/12/2022

Computers for Success Canada (CFSC-OPEC) welcomes the support and expertise of its new Executive Director, Michel Langelier.

“As an organization helping schools, not-for-profit organizations and individuals at risk of digital exclusion to adopt the technology and skills they need to thrive in our society, CFSC-OPEC is pleased to welcome Michel, whose expertise reflects our objectives of inclusion and social responsibility,” said Kathleen Diga, Board Chair of CFSC-OPEC.

Prior to joining CFSC-OPEC, Mr. Langelier built a long track record in managing pan-Canadian organizations, including more recently AIoT Canada, an industrial cluster dedicated to accelerating the adoption of AI (artificial Intelligence) and IoT (internet of things).

For more than 25 years, M. Langelier has been at the helm of institutes and learning societies, including the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering and the ADRIQ (Association pour le dévelopment de la recherche et de l’innovation pour le Québec). He also led the CEFRIO, a research center with the mandate of facilitating the development and use of digital technology in industry and in various spheres of society.  This research center published several studies about the “digital iniquities” and were instrumental to Quebec policy makers in addressing those issues.

Trained as a coach, Michel has accompanied more than a hundred companies, associations, and groups in the implementation of strategies and business plans throughout his career.

“We believe that Michel will help the organization further elevate its focus on inclusiveness while fulfilling its important mandate of supporting Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada digital inclusion and economic participation programs”, added Kathleen Diga.

 

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15/07/2022

Computers for Success Canada (CFSC-OPEC) is pleased to announce that Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) is joining its CEO Pledge. CTC is donating 11,000 end-of-cycle devices, equivalent to $1.25M worth of refurbished technology to underserved communities across Canada over the next three years through Computers for Schools Plus, a Government of Canada program that refurbishes digital devices for redistribution to schools, libraries, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income households.

“By joining the Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program and prioritizing reuse over recycling, CTC will reduce carbon emissions and help provide people in Canada with the skills and tools to participate in our digital economy,” said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director, CFSC-OPEC.

CTC’s participation in the CEO Pledge will positively impact communities and help grow the CFS+ program to shape digital equity in Canada by providing youth with affordable devices, employment opportunities, and essential digital skills.

“Canadian Tire Corporation is proud to partner with CFSC-OPEC  and the CFS+ program to provide Canadians with equal access to reliable technology and the opportunities it offers,” said Greg Hicks, President and CEO of Canadian Tire Corporation. “Supporting CFSC-OPEC’s work to bridge the digital divide and position Canadians for success in today’s digital economy and their future jobs is one of the many ways that Canadian Tire is working to strengthen the communities as part of our brand purpose to Make Life in Canada Better.”

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16/06/2022

Computers for Success Canada (CFSC-OPEC) celebrates the first anniversary of the launch of the CEO Pledge, a joint effort from some of Canada’s leading businesses, initiated by Microsoft Canada, to commit their used technology to the Government of Canada’s Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program.

“We are very thankful to the 50 companies that have already pledged to donate their organization’s end-of-cycle devices to Canada’s Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program,” said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director, CFSC-OPEC.  “Through this campaign, the program has already received close to 8000 devices. This additional contribution to the CFS+ program will help an even greater number of people in Canada get the tools and skills they need to participate in the digital economy. By committing their end-of-cycle devices to the CFS+ program, these leading companies are helping improve access to technology for Canadians at risk of digital exclusion.”

The CFS+ program offers a secure and sustainable solution for donors’ used computers, contributing to environmental, youth employment, skills and economic development impacts of the program.

“Growing our country’s digital economy requires all Canadians have access to secure, reliable and connected devices to develop the adequate skills and training needed for today’s workforce,” said Kevin Peesker, President, Microsoft Canada. “The CEO Pledge is an important program and we’re heartened that our work with other leading Canadian businesses is helping to address Canada’s digital skills gap.”

Since 1993, the CFS+ program has refurbished and redistributed over 1.7 million computers to schools, libraries, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income families. The program also provides beneficial work experience to Canadian youth through paid internships. Interns help refurbish the used technology while acquiring essential digital skills.

 

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15/03/2022

Computers for Success Canada (CFSC-OPEC) is grateful to Desjardins for having joined the CEO Pledge, a joint effort from some of Canada’s leading businesses to commit their used technology to the Government of Canada’s CFS+ program.

“By lending its support to this initiative in Quebec and Ontario, Desjardins is not only helping to reduce e-waste by prioritizing reuse over recycling, it is also contributing to the program’s goal of providing people in Canada with the skills and tools to participate in our digital economy”, said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director, CFSC-OPEC.

“It’s important that Canadians, particularly our youth, have equal access to technology. We’ve seen how vital this was throughout the pandemic,” said Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group. “I’m proud to join other leaders and add my name to the CEO Pledge. At Desjardins, we’re strongly committed to investing in the success of our youth, and this initiative will give them the tools they need to achieve their dreams. Desjardins will donate 3,000 devices to the Computers for Schools Plus program in 2022.”

“While the program has many positive impacts (environmental, economic and social), one of the less known one is the impact on youth employment. Through paid internships, we have been able to change the lives of hundreds of young people over the years”, said Maryse Lavoie, Director of the CFS+ program in Quebec. “Many of our interns have found work here at OPEQ or in other organizations as a result of their internship.”

“Desjardins’ tremendous support will positively impact communities and help RCT shape the digital economy in Ontario with affordable technology access, employment opportunities for youth and enhancing essential digital skills” expressed Shauna L. McCaffrey, Executive Director of Renewed Computer Technology. “The CEO pledge has been an impactful initiative led by CFSC across Canada that fosters the real impacts being delivered by the CFS+ program”.

 About Computers for Schools Plus

Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) is a national partnership-based program that refurbishes digital devices from government, private business and individuals for use by schools, libraries, not-for profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income individuals. This program is funded by the Government of Canada.

About CFSC-OPEC

Computers for Success –Canada Inc.| Ordinateurs pour l’excellence –Canada Inc. (CFSC-OPEC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2005, supporting Government of Canada digital inclusion and economic development programs. CFSC-OPEC’s services include project management, communications, partnership development, and strategic planning.

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in North America and the fifth largest cooperative financial group in the world, with assets of $397 billion. In 2021 it was ranked as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers by Mediacorp. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, online platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Ranked among the world’s strongest banks according to The Banker magazine, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and credit ratings in the industry.

 

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15/06/2021

Computers for Success Canada (CFSC-OPEC) is grateful to Bell, an ongoing supporter of the Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program, for having joined the founding Canadian businesses of the recently launched CEO Pledge.

The CEO Pledge, a campaign initiated by Microsoft Canada, is a joint effort from some of Canada’s leading businesses to commit their used technology to the Government of Canada’s CFS+ program.

“By lending its voice to this important initiative and stating its commitment to the CFS+ program, Bell is helping bridge the digital divide in Canada,” said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director, CFSC-OPEC. “As a long-standing partner of the program, Bell has been an important contributor to its goal of providing at-risk Canadians with the tools and opportunities needed to participate in the digital economy.”

“Bell is proud of our longstanding support for the CFS+ program’s work to provide at-risk Canadians with the tools they need to take full advantage of broadband access to meet their education and personal development goals,” said Mirko Bibic, President and CEO of BCE Inc. and Bell Canada. “We look forward to building on our partnership with CFS+ as we work to achieve Bell’s goal of advancing how Canadians connect with each other and the world.”

Since 1993, the CFS+ program has refurbished and redistributed over 1.7 million computers to schools, libraries, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, and eligible low-income families. The program also provides beneficial work experience to Canadian youth through paid internships. Interns help refurbish the used technology while acquiring essential digital skills.

“The past year has put an even greater emphasis on the importance of putting technology into the hands of Canadians in need, and we could not achieve this without the support of partners like Bell,” added Mr. Harper-Merrett.

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01/06/2021

Montreal, June 1, 2021 – Computers for Success Canada (CFSC-OPEC) is pleased to announce the launch of the CEO Pledge, a joint effort from some of Canada’s leading businesses, initiated by Microsoft Canada, to commit their used technology to the Government of Canada’s Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program.

“I would like to thank all of those who pledged to donate their organization’s end-of-cycle devices to Canada’s Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “The COVID-19 crisis has shown the importance of everyone being able to access the digital world. By donating to the CFS+ program, you are helping under-served communities access the Internet and acquire the skills and training needed to work in today’s digital economy.”

 “We are very grateful to Microsoft Canada for leading this initiative, and to all the organizations that have joined the initial phase of the CEO Pledge,” said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director, CFSC-OPEC. “Their contribution to the CFS+ program will help an even greater number of people in Canada get the tools and skills they need to participate in the digital economy. By committing your end-of-cycle computers to the CFS+ program, you are helping improve access to technology for Canadians at risk of digital exclusion.” 

Along with Microsoft, the founding organizations in the CEO Pledge include long-standing supporters Bell and TELUS, as well as new supporters Best Buy Canada, Enbridge Inc., Rogers Communications, Scotiabank, Staples, Sun Life and TD Bank Group.

“Technology partners choose the CFS+ program as a secure and sustainable solution for their used computers, contributing to environmental, youth employment, skills and economic development impacts”, added Toby Harper-Merrett.

“Microsoft believes that everyone should benefit from technology to learn, work and play. We initiated the CEO Pledge because we are committed to helping Canadians access the skills training and tools they need to succeed in the digital economy,” said Kevin Peesker, President, Microsoft Canada. “We’re pleased that so many leading organizations across industries are joining us on this journey and look forward to welcoming additional brands in the coming months.”

Since 1993, the CFS+ program has refurbished and redistributed over 1.7 million computers to schools, libraries, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income families. The program also provides beneficial work experience to Canadian youth through paid internships. Interns help refurbish the used technology while acquiring essential digital skills.

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19/11/2020

Computers for Success Canada (CFSC) is pleased to add the Courts Administration Service (CAS) as a partner providing their used technology to the Government of Canada’s Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program.

“Devices, connectivity and skills are key to the digital inclusion of all Canadians, said Toby            Harper-Merrett, Executive Director of CFSC-OPEC. CFS+ program affiliates across Canada are increasingly solicited by organizations needing refurbished computers to enable working and learning from home. The support of technology partners like CAS improves the program’s capacity to serve more and more Canadians and we are very thankful for their long-term commitment.”

Since 1993, the CFS+ program has refurbished and distributed more than 1.7 million computers to schools, non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, refugees and eligible low-income families.

Furthermore, the program extends the life of devices, providing significant environmental benefits compared to other disposal alternatives. The program also provides work experience to youth through the CFS+ Internships.  These interns help refurbish the donated technology while developing knowledge, skills and employment prospects.

“Managing electronic waste is a priority for CAS. We are excited about this new partnership with Computers for Success Canada, which not only allows us to support the CFS+ program across the country, but also to have a positive social impact on Canadian families and manage our electronic waste with the highest environmental and security standards,” said Daniel Carroll, Contracting and Material Management Agent at CAS.

About Computers for Schools Plus

Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) is a national partnership-based program that refurbishes digital devices from government, private business and individuals for use by schools, libraries, not-for profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income individuals. The Government of Canada funds this program.

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06/10/2020

Computers for Success Canada (CFSC-OPEC) is pleased to provide up to 80 additional youth interns with practical work experience in libraries across Canada and communities across Nunavut and Yukon Territory. With funding from the Government of Canada, CFSC-OPEC is supporting the hiring of interns by Pinnguaq Association, Kids Code Jeunesse, Yukon Learn Society, and seven public libraries in major urban centres.

“We are grateful to these organizations for providing young people opportunities to gain experience and deliver digital support to their communities”, said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director of CFSC-OPEC, a not-for-profit organization established in 2005 to support the impacts of the Government of Canada’s digital inclusion and economic development programs.

“The past months have further demonstrated the importance of technology, connectivity and digital skills. The crisis has also had a significant impact on youth employment. We are confident this project will benefit not only the youth interns but thousands of Canadians at risk of digital exclusion. These CFS+ internships will enhance Canadians’ capacity to work with tools that have become critical in today’s society and economy.”

“Digital skills and work-integrated learning are key to the future success of innovation and jobs in Canada,” said The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “The Computers for Schools plus Intern program offers paid, practical work internships for young Canadians, through which they can develop advanced digital skills and experience in project management, teamwork, and communications. This experience will give graduates the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy and provide the highly skilled workforce that Canadian businesses are looking for.”

CFSC also provides ongoing Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) internships in support of the CFS+ program. Over the past 27 years, more than 7 000 CFS+ interns have been provided employment and training relevant to careers in technology, communications and other digital fields.

CFSC and the CFS+ Internship program provide youth the opportunity to develop the expertise and skills needed to actively participate in the digital economy. With a strong focus on hiring BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) to perform community outreach and support for digital technology use, youth interns under this extension of funding will bridge education and employment, developing and sharing their digital skills.

About Computers for Schools plus

Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) is a national partnership-based program that refurbishes digital devices from government, private business and individuals for use by schools, libraries, not-for profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income individuals. This program is funded by the Government of Canada.

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01/10/2020

Computers for Success Canada (CFSC-OPEC) welcomes the support and expertise of two new Board members, Anne-Marie Mulumba (Director), and Mritunjay (MJ) Sinha (Treasurer).

“As an organization helping schools, not-for-profit organizations and individuals at risk of digital exclusion to adopt the technology, connectivity and skills they need to thrive in our society, CFSC-OPEC is pleased to welcome new members whose expertise reflects our values of inclusion and social responsibility,” said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director of CFSC-OPEC.

Anne-Marie Mulumba collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to inform digital product delivery. Her focus is to conduct research with francophones, people with disabilities, businesses and under-presented groups by building relationships with community organizations across the country to promote inclusion.

A social entrepreneur-operator and an investor, MJ Sinha has been working in impact and responsible investing for the last few years. He started with Grand Challenges Canada and thereafter helped deploy over C$30M through private-market impact investing and over C$100M through responsible investment strategies for several family offices, foundations, and other investors. His passion for social change is complemented by his experience in Capital Markets and Corporate Strategy.

“As a small Montreal-based organization, CFSC has demonstrated exceptional agility in supporting Government of Canada programs through close collaboration with private, public and not-for-profit partners in every province and territory,” said Darrell Liebrecht, Chair of CFSC-OPEC. “We strongly believe that the addition of Anne-Marie and MJ to our Board will help the organization further elevate its focus on inclusiveness while fulfilling its important mandate of supporting Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada digital inclusion and economic participation programs.”

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