National Homelessness Initiative | Labour Program | About HRSDC
October 25, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
05-71
OTTAWA, ONTARIO - The Government of Canada announced plans today to work with private and charitable organizations to provide the homeless and community shelters with better access to information-technology resources. The Digital Inclusion Partnership (DIP) was launched today by the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, along with Mike Parkhill from Microsoft Canada, Michael Sears from TelecomPioneers, and representatives from Industry Canada's Computers for Schools program.
This partnership will improve IT access for shelters by providing them with hardware, software and technical support. This will enable them to better serve the needs of homeless individuals, as well as build networks to increase knowledge sharing and understanding of homelessness in Canada. The partnership will also increase shelters' capacity to provide internet access to homeless individuals looking for information on housing, jobs, social services and learning opportunities.
"Our partnership represents an initial investment of $250,000 in hardware and software, but its true value is impossible to measure," said Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing. "This is because of the many volunteer hours being donated by Telecom Pioneers, Microsoft and Industry Canada's Computers for Schools program. Our technical support is what will make this initiative a long-term success."
"The federal government and the regional organizations are to be commended for their efforts in establishing the Digital Inclusion Partnership for homelessness," said Allan Miller, Vice President of TelecomPioneers of Canada. "The TelecomPioneers of Canada are committed to this worthwhile and necessary partnership. We will work with regional co-ordinators to ensure optimal benefit from our volunteer resource base."
"Microsoft Canada believes passionately in helping people and organizations realize their full potential," said Mike Parkhill, Director, Academic Sector, Microsoft Canada. "In today's society, access to technology can be a key factor in improving the lives of those in need. We hope our contribution will help both homeless people and the wonderful organizations working to improve their lives."
"Computers for Schools is pleased to participate in a collaboration that helps the most vulnerable of Canadians have access to information and communications technologies," the Honourable David L. Emerson, Ministry of Industry, said. "By diverting surplus computers from entering landfill sites, Computers for Schools has turned a potential environmental liability into a tool for learning, and a way to help Canadians gain access to the services and assistance they need."
The DIP was instigated by the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) Initiative team, a component of the National Homeless Initiative. HIFIS is an electronic data management system that allows users to collect and share information on the homeless population in Canada. The success of the HIFIS Initiative depends on shelters having access to IT equipment and support. The Digital Inclusion Partnership responds to this need.
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For more information on the Government of Canada's National Homelessness Initiative, visit our Web site at www.homelessness.gc.ca
Public inquiries
Jeffrey Bullard
Director
Strategic Research, Analysis and HIFIS Development Directorate, NSH
(819) 953-7562
Media inquiries
Peter Graham
Office of the Minister of Labour and Housing
(819) 953-5646
Allan Miller
Vice President
TelecomPioneers of Canada
(709) 739-2744
Carole Lafrenière
Program Delivery Coordinator
Computers for Schools, Industry Canada
(613) 941-4975
Mike Parkhill
Director, Academic Sector
Microsoft Canada Co.
(905) 363-8436
