Purpose

Digital Inclusion and Equity Program  is an initiative designed to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that all individuals regardless of age, income, geography, or background have equitable access to digital tools, connectivity, and skills. As technology becomes increasingly central to daily life, work, education, healthcare, and civic engagement, digital exclusion can deepen existing social and economic inequalities. This program supports Canada’s Digital Charter and aligns with national strategies on connectivity, innovation, and social inclusion.

The overarching goal of the this program is to empower marginalized and underserved populations, such as low-income families, seniors, persons with disabilities, and rural residents, by providing the resources and support they need to fully participate in the digital world.

Objectives

  1. Improve Access to Technology
    Provide individuals and communities with affordable or free access to digital devices and internet connectivity.
  2. Build Digital Literacy and Skills
    Equip program beneficiaries with the foundational digital skills needed for education, employment, communication, and accessing services.
  3. Support Underserved Communities
    Focus resources on populations disproportionately affected by digital exclusion, including rural and remote communities, immigrants, and people with disabilities.
  4. Promote Inclusive Digital Policy
    Influence public policy to ensure technology development and digital infrastructure serve program beneficiaries.
  5. Enhance Civic and Economic Participation
    Enable more program beneficiaries to participate in the digital economy and democratic processes through online platforms.

Key Activities

  1. Device Donation and Distribution Programs
    Collect, refurbish, and distribute laptops, tablets, and smartphones to low-income households, seniors, and students in need.
  2. Subsidized IT Services
    Partner with Technology providers to offer affordable IT services to program beneficiaries.
  3. Digital Literacy Workshops
    Deliver in-person and virtual training sessions on basic computer use, internet safety, online banking, job searching, and e-government services.
  4. Community Technology Hubs
    Establish accessible digital hubs that offer free Wi-Fi, devices, and tech support.
  5. Accessible Tech for All Abilities
    Provide assistive technologies and training for individuals with disabilities, including screen readers, adaptive keyboards, and voice recognition tools.
  6. Policy Advocacy and Research
    Conduct research on digital inequities and advocate for inclusive digital policies.

Expected Outcomes

  1. Reduced Digital Divide Across Communities
    Increased access to technology and connectivity in low-income, remote, and marginalized communities.
  2. Improved Digital Skills and Confidence
    More program beneficiaries, especially seniors and vulnerable groups, can confidently navigate the digital landscape for work, education, and social connection.
  3. Enhanced Employment and Education Opportunities
    Greater participation in online learning, digital job markets, and remote work, leading to increased economic mobility.
  4. Stronger Social Inclusion and Civic Engagement
    Individuals can connect with government services, participate in democratic processes, and engage socially through digital platforms.
  5. Informed and Inclusive Digital Policy Development
    Governments and stakeholders implement policies that ensure equitable access to digital resources for all our program beneficiaries.

The Digital Inclusion and Equity Program is a critical step toward for building a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.

Digital Inclusion

This entails activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies. This includes elements such as affordable broadband internet service, internet-enabled devices, access to digital literacy training, quality technical support, and applications designed to enable self-sufficiency and collaboration.

Digital Equity

This is a condition where all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in society, democracy, and economy. It is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services. Digital equity requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional, and structural barriers to access and use technology.