Canadian Government Invests $17.6 M for Digital Literacy

Highlights:

• Canadian Government invests $17.6 million to fund the country’s digital literacy drive through the Digital Literacy Exchange Program.

• Immigrants are the focus of this program.

On March 13, 2023, the Canadian government announced that 23 different not-for-profit organizations would receive funding to drive the advancement of digital literacy among Canadians and make using the internet safe, secure, and effective.

The goal of Canada's Digital Literacy Exchange Program (DLEP) has always been to give internet users in Canada the knowledge and resources they need to use the internet effectively. The main focus of this program is helping immigrants use mobile phones, computers, and internet facilities efficiently.

Since the majority of Canada’s immigrants come from countries not so advanced in their digital literacy, this investment will aid the program by helping the immigrants upscale their digital literacy and use the internet with improved knowledge and safety.

According to Wiley’s Digital Skill Gap Index, the birthplaces of most Canadian immigrants do not make it to the top 30 of the “digital skills among the population” list. India was ranked 59th by Wiley and was the birthplace of 18.6% of immigrants to Canada between 2016 and 2021.

The other source countries of Canada’s immigrants with lower digital literacy include

1. China (8.9%) - 46th
2. Syria (4.8%) - Unranked
3. Nigeria (3.0%) - 119th

As Canada’s workforce becomes increasingly digital, it has become a necessity to educate the people of Canada on how to use digital devices like smartphones, computers, and the internet securely.

As the government press release reads, “whether booking a medical appointment, doing online transactions, studying, working, or looking for a job, Canadians need to be able to use the Internet safely, securely, and effectively.”

The press release also notes the value of having a robust digital skillset. It also states that learning important digital skills will not only reduce barriers to important information access but will also provide opportunities for all Canadians to succeed in everyday life.

Although the program caters to every Canadian and the latest investment will allow every Canadian to take advantage of the resources available to increase their digital literacy, the newest members of the Canadian population, the immigrants, will be more benefitted by this program.

With this program, immigrants in Canada will be able to hone their digital skills to succeed in their everyday lives in Canada.

Are You Interested in Moving to Canada?

Planning on moving to Canada? This can be your biggest chance. GetGIS helps you with all things immigration. From the application process to the IELTS preparation to the job search assistance, you can trust GetGIS for everything you need to immigrate to Canada without any hardships.

GetGIS offers you the chance to talk to a country-specialist immigration expert for free.

Don’t miss this opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance of moving to your dream country!

Book your free consultation here today and give your Canada dreams a pair of wings.