CAP, or the Community Access Program is part of Industry Canada and the Ontario Library Association's initiative to make Canada the most connected country in the world. Launched in 1994, CAP's goal is to establish 10,000 public internet access sites throughout Canada.
The Government of Canada is committed to providing affordable Internet access to all it's citizens, young and old, low-income, disadvantaged and young Canadian families.
CAP started in rural communities with populations up to 50,000. Then in December 1999, following a successful pilot program in urban communities, CAP is now being rolled out to larger population centres of over 50,000. By March 31, 2001, Industry Canada wants to establish public Internet access sites in up to 10,000 rural, remote and urban communities across Canada. It's hoped that CAP sites will increasingly join together in networking opportunities enabling them to pool resources and form networks to be able to offer even more to their communities.
Administered by Industry Canada, CAP aims to provide Canadians with affordable public access to the Internet and the skills they need to use it effectively. With the combined efforts of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, community groups, social agencies, libraries, schools, volunteer groups and the business community, CAP helps Canadians, wherever they live, take advantage of emerging opportunities in the new global knowledge-based economy.
Each CAP Site offers free computer use and access to the Internet for any individual who wishes to utilize a CAP site.
For more information regarding CAP sites please check out the Community Access Program's main page. |
