 |
|
|
VANCOUVER – Recognizing the importance of computers and the Internet in today’s high-tech world, Management Services Minister Joyce Murray and Vancouver-Burrard MLA Lorne Mayencourt proclaimed today “Computer Literacy Day in British Columbia.”
“Just as the ability to read and write is a fundamental skill, the ability to use a computer is increasingly valuable to people’s lives, whether it’s in their jobs, helping their kids with their homework, or keeping in touch with friends and family,” said Murray. “Our government, led by the Premier, is committed to bridging the digital divide and making B.C. the most computer literate place in the world.”
The proclamation was unveiled at the downtown Vancouver Public Library. Libraries across the province offer free access to computers and the Internet, and are on the front lines of the effort to increase computer literacy in British Columbia.
“The downtown library is an incredible place where people line up every day before it opens,” said Mayencourt, whose constituency office is located in the building that houses the library. “Computers and the Internet have changed the way we live, work and play. British Columbians with knowledge of computers need to share that knowledge with others, especially those not fully aware of what computers and the Internet can help you achieve.”
Through NetWork BC the Province is working to bridge the digital divide by bringing broadband Internet access to all B.C. communities. Of the 366 provincial communities being tracked, 215 have access to broadband. Of the 151 remote communities that do not yet have access to broadband, 76 are First Nations or communities in proximity to First Nations. On Nov. 3 government announced $12 million in added funding over three years for public libraries, which will bring broadband Internet into every branch, provide a 24-hour virtual reference desk and set up a one-card system to give every British Columbian access to books from any library in the province. Through the Provincial Learning Network, schools across B.C. are also receiving upgrades to high-speed Internet. These initiatives, and many others, are all part of the plan to make British Columbia the most computer literate jurisdiction in the world.
“In our most recent report, the Premier’s Technology Council made it very clear that communities want the digital divide closed as soon as possible,” said Jim Mutter, president of the Premier's Technology Council. “The Province has been making great strides in getting that done. Access to, and knowledge of computers and the Internet is essential for everyone.”
“From free Internet access to virtual library services like Find It Now and Homework Help, the Vancouver Public Library is a great source of online information for people of all ages,” said John Buckberrough, vice chair of the Vancouver Public Library's Board of Trustees. “Computer literacy is one of our top priorities, and we’re pleased to have the Province’s support. We encourage people across the province to visit their local library to learn more about how computers and the Internet can open doors to a world of information.”
The Computer Literacy Day
proclamation can be viewed at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/mser/down/computer_literacy_day_proclamation.pdf
online.
-30-
| ||||||||||||
