For immediate release

The end of Public Access to the Internet?

Ottawa, November 19th, 2007 -Despite the obvious needs and
demonstrated success of Internet community access programs, there has
been no announcement concerning their future funding or renewal. All
requests sent to the Honorable Minister Jim Prentice of Industry Canada,
ministry responsible for this program, have gone unanswered. Without any
renewal budget, these programs will end March 31st.

The Community Access Program (CAP) ensures the maintenance of computer
equipment and the training of employees and volunteers in the non-profit
sector. The CAP´s Youth Initiative (CAP-YI) provides employment
opportunities for countless young men and women while also offering
affordable Internet access to thousands of Canadians. Training sessions
are given by young facilitators in schools, libraries, community centers
to promote the development of basic skills in the use of information and
communication technologies (ICTs), enabling many people to become active
members of society in the Information Age. The PAC also offers special
training programs to people with disabilities and people with literacy
issues to take into account their special needs.

The Community Access Program provides access to those people who might
not have computers or Internet access in their homes or workplaces.
These people are mostly senior citizens, First Nations, immigrants, the
unemployed, people facing literacy challenges, the homeless, people with
disabilities, people living with mental health issues, in short, a large
segment of the population facing exclusion in part because of new
technologies.

For many people, public access and computer training have become
essential services. Whether we want to look for a job, access government
on-line services, communicate with distant friends and family, learn new
skills, break free from isolation, facilitate communication for people
with reduced mobility, etc. More and more aspects of our lives demand
that we have access to computers and the knowledge to use them. In the
last 5 years, there has been a steady increase in the use of community
access centers. This year, for 40% of users, it was their first
experience with ICTs.

To this end, Telecommunities Canada wishes to remind Industry Canada
and the Canadian Government of the importance of the Community Access
Program and its Youth Initiative. These two programs have proven
their worth and their continued success warrants stable and
sufficient funding.

About Telecommunities Canada

To ensure that all Canadians are able to participate in community-based
communications and electronic information services Telecommunities
Canada promotes and supports local community network initiatives.
Therefore, Telecommunities represents and promotes the Canadian
community networking movement on the national and international level.

The Community Access Program (CAP) Youth Initiative (YI) is coordinated
by Industry Canada's Community Access Program and is funded through
Human Resources and Social Development Canada's Youth Employment
Strategy (YES).

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Source : Telecommunities Canada
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