News Release – For Immediate Release
Federal government giving young Canadians in Saskatoon the digital skills needed for future jobs
$1.1 million to teach students and teachers coding and digital skills required for the middle-class jobs of tomorrow through the Saskatoon Industry-Education Council
February 12, 2018 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Government of Canada
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 $1,136,897 investment in coding and digital skills training with the Saskatoon Industry-Education Council, 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 Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale in a videoconference at Colette Bourgonje School and St. Thérèse of Lisieux School. It will bring coding and robotics to over 750 teachers and 15,000 students over the next 13 months.
The investment is being allocated through CanCode, a $50-million federal program that gives students from kindergarten to grade 12 the opportunity to learn coding and other digital skills. The funding will also provide thousands of Canadian teachers with the tools needed to educate Canadian youth on these skills.
CanCode is a Budget 2017 commitment aiming to teach digital skills to over one million Canadian students and their teachers.
Quotes
“With partners like the Saskatoon Industry-Education Council, the Government of Canada’s CanCode program is teaching students and teachers coding and digital literacy. These are essential skills in the modern economy, and will help set up thousands of kids to succeed and thrive.”
–The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
“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
Quick facts
- 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.
- The program will also equip 63,000 teachers across the country with the training and tools to teach digital skills and coding.
- The Saskatoon Industry-Education Council is a partnership between Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, Saskatoon Public Schools, Prairie Spirit School Division and the Saskatoon Tribal Council along with government, industry, post-secondary, business associations and community based organizations. It is mandated to provide career development and discovery opportunities for youth and educators.
Associated links
Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
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Contacts
Janet Uchacz-Hart
Executive Director
Saskatoon Industry-Education Council
1.306.262.5650 (cell)
janet@saskatooniec.ca
Karl W. Sasseville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation,
Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
