Connecting Canadians - Successes and Challenges
Between 1998 to 2006, Industry Canada – through Connecting Canadians – provided close to $600M in six broadband initiatives: Community Access Program (CAP); SchoolNet/First Nations SchoolNet; Library-Net; VolNet (for charitable and not-for-profit organizations); SMART Communities; Canadian Content On-line; and Government Online.
Related Industry Canada programs included infrastructure funding initiatives like Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program (BRAND), the National Satellite Initiative, and Broadband Canada.
Many of these initiatives adopted the Community Aggregator approach. They allowed community organizations to plan and manage projects. For example, the Community Access Program (CAP) granted funding for public Internet access sites. Local institutions could apply for up to $30,000 to pay for equipment, staff and connectivity costs, and training and skills. By 2003, 499 CAP sites existed in First Nations, often in public institutions like schools or community centres.
But despite its popularity and success across Canada, Industry Canada's CAP program faced ongoing challenges to its long-term sustainability. In March 2010, CAP administrators located less than 25 km from a public library received letters from Industry Canada ending their funding. After a public outcry, Minister Tony Clement renewed funding another year, but federal funding was finally withdrawn in 2012. As of early 2013, in some regions like Nunavut, territorial governments (or other funders) continue to support the program.
Between 1998 to 2006, Industry Canada – through Connecting Canadians – provided close to $600M in six broadband initiatives: Community Access Program (CAP); SchoolNet/First Nations SchoolNet; Library-Net; VolNet (for charitable and not-for-profit organizations); SMART Communities; Canadian Content On-line; and Government Online.
Related Industry Canada programs included infrastructure funding initiatives like Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program (BRAND), the National Satellite Initiative, and Broadband Canada.
Many of these initiatives adopted the Community Aggregator approach. They allowed community organizations to plan and manage projects. For example, the Community Access Program (CAP) granted funding for public Internet access sites. Local institutions could apply for up to $30,000 to pay for equipment, staff and connectivity costs, and training and skills. By 2003, 499 CAP sites existed in First Nations, often in public institutions like schools or community centres.
But despite its popularity and success across Canada, Industry Canada's CAP program faced ongoing challenges to its long-term sustainability. In March 2010, CAP administrators located less than 25 km from a public library received letters from Industry Canada ending their funding. After a public outcry, Minister Tony Clement renewed funding another year, but federal funding was finally withdrawn in 2012. As of early 2013, in some regions like Nunavut, territorial governments (or other funders) continue to support the program.
Video: CAP Cuts in Nunavut
(CBC Coverage: Industry Canada Cuts CAP Funding; uploaded April 30, 2012)
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(CBC Coverage: Industry Canada Cuts CAP Funding; uploaded April 30, 2012)
Close this window to return to the course