$17.6 million investment to support initiatives aimed at teaching digital literacy skills to under-represented Canadians
July 28th, 2022 - Ottawa, Ontario
Digital literacy skills are essential for participating in today's increasingly digital world. Whether booking a medical appointment, doing online banking, studying, working or looking for a job, all Canadians need to be able to use the Internet safely and effectively. Learning these skills and understanding digital technology will not only reduce barriers to accessing valuable information and resources but also open up opportunities for all Canadians to succeed.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, launched the second phase of the Digital Literacy Exchange Program (DLEP) and announced a $17.6 million federal investment to help ensure that no one is left behind in the digital economy.
This significant investment will support not-for-profit organizations that teach digital literacy skills to Canadians who face barriers to participating in the digital world. This includes seniors, individuals who have not completed high school, Indigenous people, individuals who do not speak English or French at home, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, low-income individuals, and people living in northern, rural and remote communities.
The DLEP is part of a bundle of digital skills programs offered by the Government of Canada that seek to bridge the digital divide and help all Canadians access digital technology and develop the skills they need to use it. The DLEP aligns with the Universal Access principle of the government's Digital Charter: to support all Canadians in fully embracing the digital economy.
As a part of this announcement, Minister Champagne is calling on interested not-for-profit organizations to submit proposals through the DLEP website by September 7, 2022.
