Federal government giving young Canadians in Etobicoke the digital skills needed for future jobs

News Release

$2 million for Let’s Talk Science to teach students and train teachers in coding and digital skills required for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow

January 26, 2018, Etobicoke ON

The federal government is investing in young Canadians to provide them with the digital skills needed for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow. Thanks to a $2-million investment in coding and digital skills training through Let’s Talk Science, more young Canadians will be equipped with the in-demand digital literacy and problem-solving skills required by today’s employers.

The funding was announced by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, during a visit to North Kipling Junior Middle School, where Let’s Talk Science held a coding event. Let’s Talk Science is Canada’s leading charitable organization preparing youth to thrive as citizens and in the workforce within a world increasingly shaped by science and technology.

The investment is being allocated through CanCode, a $50-million federal program that will give nearly 1 million students from kindergarten to Grade 12 the opportunity to learn coding and other digital skills. CanCode will also provide over 63,000 Canadian teachers with the know-how to incorporate new digital skills and technologies into their classrooms.

CanCode is one of the many digital skills programs offered by the Government of Canada that seek to bridge the digital divide and help Canadians access digital technology and develop the skills they need to use them. It aligns with the Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs and ensure Canadians have the skills to succeed.

Quotes

“Becoming the most innovative country begins with investing in Canadian talent. Our government is committed to equipping Canadian youth with the digital skills they need for the jobs of the future. By teaching kids to code today, we’re positioning Canada for future success across all industries and sectors because these kids will facilitate digital adoption, making all Canadian industries more profitable and globally competitive.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“I am so proud of youth in Etobicoke who are open, diverse and eager to discover the world around them. By giving them the opportunity to learn new science-based skills, such as coding, we’re empowering them to make a difference in our community while setting them on a path to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

“A background in science, technology, engineering and math is critical for youth entering the workforce in the next 10 years. Through our CanCode funding Let’s Talk Science will engage Canadian educators in professional learning workshops and students in a ‘citizen science’ action project that connects with CSA Astronaut David Saint-Jacques’ upcoming mission. This unique opportunity will engage learners in building critical skills such as computational thinking and coding in relevant and meaningful ways.”

- Bonnie Schmidt, President and Founder, Let’s Talk Science.

Quick Facts

  • The Let’s Talk Science project is expected to benefit up to 28,400 students and 630 teachers.

  • CanCode will invest $50 million over two years, starting in 2017–18, to support initiatives providing educational opportunities for coding and digital skills development to Canadian youth from kindergarten to Grade 12.

Associated Links

Contacts

Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA

Follow Minister Duncan on social media.
Twitter: @ScienceMin
Instagram: sciencemin

Ann Marie Paquet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Science
613-404-2733
Ann-marie.paquet@canada.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

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