June 5, 2015 – Today, Mike Lake, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, and John Carmichael, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, underscored the importance of this program for Ontario:
Since 2010–11 Computers for Schools Ontario has delivered over 67,000 refurbished computers and employed 296 local youth in internship positions throughout the province. The funding provided in Economic Action Plan 2015 will further the previous Budget 2014 commitment of $36 million over four years, increasing support from $9 million per year in 2014–15 and 2015–16 to $10 million per year in 2016–17 and 2017–18. The increase will allow Computers for Schools Ontario to distribute over 41,000 computers over the next three years to schools and non-profit community organizations.
[MP John Carmichael, PS Mike Lake, Andria Spindel, Shauna McCaffrey]
“Today, being able to have access to a computer and connect to the Internet is essential to learning and communication. Our government is committed to ensuring that youth have the skills and education they need to access employment opportunities. Now, community groups will also be able to get the important equipment they need to help low-income and new Canadians build their skills, train for jobs and pursue their education. The Computers for Schools program is one of the many ways we are helping Canadians connect and succeed in the digital age.”– James Moore, Minister of Industry
“Empowering low-income learners with equitable access to renewed technology is key to increasing digital literacy, strengthening the knowledge economy and connecting Canadians. Industry Canada is taking a leadership role in reaching the 54 percent of low-income homes that do not have a computer.” – Shauna L. McCaffrey, Executive Director, Renewed Computer Technology, which operates Computers for Schools Ontario
READ MORE: Link to Press Release: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=984629