Communities can facilitate access by taking advantage of an established community organization that is already familiar to residents.

• Recent research demonstrates that this approach has helped draw many “near users” online.

Technical literacy in a global context

While Canada is among the leaders in addressing the digital divide problem, gaps remain. But solutions may lie in innovative approaches tried elsewhere. A key lesson learned from programs in other countries is that the most effective initiatives are guided by local needs and interests.

Compared with other countries, Canada and the United States are better placed to foster increased Internet access and use.

• While Canada faces the same challenges as other countries in generating Internet usage (access, literacy skills, employment opportunities, etc.), we, like the United States, have many advantages.
  
  
  • Canada has an established base of physical, economic and social infrastructure.
  • Canada has better technical and financial resources than most countries.

Conversely, Canada also shares some of the same weaknesses.

• There are acknowledged weakness in social infrastructure in communities and social literacy for individuals.
  
  
  • Overcoming these weaknesses can help overcome economic and social divides.
  • Improved strength in areas such as education, literacy, and employment and skills training can help Canadians participate more fully in social affairs.