OTTAWA, April 26, 2010 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today delivered the one millionth refurbished computer donated by the Computers for Schools program. The program provides children with access to technology by donating computers to classrooms across Canada.
“I am pleased to be here today to celebrate such an important milestone, not only for these students here in Ottawa, but also for those in communities right across our country,” said Minister Clement. “From youngsters learning about computers for the first time, to post-secondary students exploring careers in information technology, the Computers for Schools program is making a difference in the lives of young Canadians.”
The Computers for Schools program was launched in 1993 as a partnership between Industry Canada and TelecomPioneers, a volunteer service organization made up of retired and current telecommunications professionals. The program promotes the sustainable reuse of surplus computers donated by business and government. The work performed by information technology students and dedicated volunteers helps extend the life of these computers by three to five years for use in schools and not-for-profit organizations, offering 20 times greater energy savings than if they were recycled.
In addition to refurbished computer donation, Computers for Schools, in partnership with Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, has given approximately 4100 youth interns valuable experience in information and communications technology (ICT). Nearly two thirds of those interns have gone on to careers in the ICT industry.
“At the heart of Microsoft is the fundamental belief that technology has the power to impact positive social and economic change,” said Microsoft Canada President Eric Gales. “For more than a decade, Microsoft Canada has been a part of the Computers for Schools initiative, contributing more than $100 million to the campaign. We congratulate Industry Canada, and all Computers for Schools supporters, on this important milestone and for continuing to bring technology into the lives of Canadian students.”
Over the past 16 years, partners from across the private sector and not-for-profit organizations across the country have shown their support for the program, greatly contributing to its success. Microsoft Canada, Bell Canada, Bell Aliant, TELUS, SaskTel, MTS Communications, the Canadian National Railway Company and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce have been key contributors to the program. For a full list of partners, please visit the Computers for Schools program sponsors web page.
For additional information on the program, please visit the Computers for Schools program website.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
