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OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Canada’s has often been narrowly defined as the gap that exists between urban and rural broadband internet availability — Canadian urban centres have significantly greater internet subscription levels at faster speeds than rural communities.1 The cost of building new internet infrastructure in less developed areas continues to impede equitable access to sufficient internet services.

However, a simple urban-rural characterization misses much of the complexities and nuances that shape Canada’s digital reality. Disparities in internet adoption and speed are also significantly correlated with socio-economic inequalities and demographic factors such as income, age, education, race, Indigeneity and ability.2, 3, 4, 5

The mere availability of internet infrastructure does not mean that everyone can and does subscribe; approximately 8% of households in Canada do not have a home internet subscription.6 Moreover, among those with home internet, not all have services at sufficient speeds. One in eight (13%) households in Canada live where internet service is unavailable at the CRTC’s national target of 50 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads, 10 Mbps for uploads and unlimited data use.7 Even when services are available at the target speed, 38% of households are not subscribed to home internet at speeds greater than 50 Mbps, with rates even lower in Indigenous communities.8

Our new Overcoming Digital Divides workshop series aims to engage people living in Canada, industry, academia and policymakers to advance a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the conditions that shape digital inequities in Canada. Through expert panel discussions and thoughtful participatory dialogue, the series aims to generate and drive toward innovative policy solutions to greater digital inclusion across Canada. The series will be presented in six parts, each tackling a specific theme with unique concerns. The series will also build on intersectional connections across themes while identifying new issues and impacted communities.

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 3 KEY CONTEXT ON EACH THEME 4. People with Disabilities and Accessibility: INCLUDES: • In 2018, about 20% of people with disabilities 1. Indigenous, Rural and Remote Communities: in Canada did not use the internet, compared to 10% overall.17 • More than half (54%) of rural communities in Canada do not have access to internet • In a global assessment of website accessibility, infrastructure that supports the national 50/10 Canada ranked behind the United States, Mbps unlimited data target.9 United Kingdom and Japan.18

• Access to a 50/10 Mbps unlimited internet 5. Public Internet Access: service is even lower in northern and Indigenous communities, including only 35% • Many people in Canada use public internet of reserves. Less than one-third access at businesses (41%), schools (16%) and of major roads and highways in Canada’s libraries (11%).19 territories have LTE mobile broadband coverage, and 0% of households in the territories have • 56% of Ontarians who would not have access to the 50/10 Mbps unlimited data otherwise had access to technology relied on a target.10 public library to access technology, with rates higher (up to 68%) for older and low-income 2. Low-Income Communities: residents.20

• As of 2017, only 69% of low-income households 6. Youth and Digital Skills: in Canada had an internet service at home, compared to 98.5% of higher-income • While 94% of 15-year-old students across households.11 Canada have access to a home computer to use for school, rates are lower (88%) for schools in • Low-income households spend more than lower-income areas.21 twice as much of their income (5.4%) on internet and mobile phone services, compared • More than 20% of 15-year-old students report to 2.1% for all households.12 More than half not having been taught critical digital literacy of low- and moderate-income families in and well-being skills.22 one survey said they take money out of their budget, including from food and recreation, to This series will aim to capture innovative policy afford home internet services.13 solutions, engage public discourse, and raise awareness about the common urgency to expand 3. Older Adults and Digital Literacy: internet access and digital services. We hope that by bringing to the forefront the intersectional • 74% of those aged 65 and older subscribe to nature of Canada’s digital divide, we can help home internet services, compared to 92% of amplify the disparate, but often ignored voices of those aged 50 to 64 and more than 97% of underserved groups. Moreover, directly engaging those under the age of 50.14 people in Canada will provide policymakers and advocates with first-hand access to Canadians’ • Older adults in Canada are less likely to report digital experience. Bridging the gap between that technology improves their lives or helps people living in Canada and decision-makers will them communicate, make decisions and save be invaluable to producing digital inclusion policies time.15 One-fifth of those aged 60 and older do that are informed by evidence and lived experience. not own a smartphone, compared to just 5% of those under 60.16

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 4 INTRODUCTION AND INTENT OF SERIES

Although internet access has been declared However, high overall internet access rates in a catalyst for the enjoyment of human rights Canadian urban and suburban areas can hide other by the United Nations and a “basic service” underlying factors that contribute to Canada’s by the Canadian Radio-television and digital divide. Identifying who is excluded from Commission (CRTC), a digital connectivity and why, including whether significant number of people in Canada continue those with internet access subscribe to services to face difficulty subscribing to internet services that are sufficiently fast and affordable, is the first at sufficient speeds. The digital divide in Canada step to unraveling the socio-economic inequalities is an issue widely discussed and often narrowly that fuel and sustain digital gaps within and across described as an urban-rural divide. Nearly all Canadian provinces and territories. people in Canada (99%) live where there is the infrastructure to connect to basic internet services, Evidence continues to mount that the groups but disparities in home internet subscriptions impacted and disadvantaged most by Canada’s and speeds continue to persist across many digital divides include Indigenous peoples, people underserved communities.23 with lower incomes, older adults, people with disabilities, and rural and remote Canadians.25 Despite some recent progress, only 46% of rural For individuals facing more than one barrier, households find internet services available at the impediments to sufficient internet access can be CRTC’s target of 50/10 Mbps speed and unlimited even more challenging. data, compared to 87% overall.24 A download speed of 50 Mbps enables multiple users to comfortably stream high-definition video, use cloud-based applications and download larger files, such This series intends to highlight digital divides as a music album or mobile application of 30 across Canada, in hopes that by recognizing megabytes, in under 5 seconds. the interrelated issues of internet access, adoption and quality, a clearer path toward meaningful digital inclusion and equity can better shape our technology governance and 46% digital policies. of rural households in Canada have access to 50/10 Mbps internet with unlimited data, compared to 87% overall

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 5 WHAT IS THE DIGITAL DIVIDE? TRUST AND SECURITY

For the purposes of this series, we define the Trusting digital service providers and digital divide as the gap that exists between those feeling safe while using the internet who do and do not have access to digital services. are important. A 2019 survey found Several interrelated factors impact this access, that 58% of adults in Canada say including: transparency around how their information is used is the most • availability and speed of internet infrastructure; important determinant of their trust • affordability of home internet service; for digital providers.

• demand for internet connection within a Although 88% of residents say the household; safety of their identity is their most important concern, 77% say they • access to and affordability of the devices and are unaware of how to protect software needed to connect to the internet their sensitive information online.26 service; Perceptions of internet security and feelings of trust rely on advanced • digital literacy to enable meaningful use of the digital literacy skills, including devices, software and services; and understanding how programs work and how information can be protected. • online safety and security required to use the Therefore, those without access to services with confidence. digital skills programs or enough knowledge about how to stay digitally protected could feel disproportionately more vulnerable online.27

Understanding which populations face difficulties and where our systems are failing to provide digital inclusion, including all its various dimensions, is critical to making immediate progress on closing Canada’s digital divides and its adverse effects on our communities.

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 6 DIGITAL DIVIDE DURING A Indigenous communities have also faced significant PANDEMIC challenges due to the pandemic. Many First Nations have closed their borders to visitors, The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the allowing only essential workers and pandemic forefront why internet access is essential to basic relief.32 Many Indigenous leaders are concerned economic and social participation for the majority that their communities face greater risks from the of people in Canada in 2020 and beyond. Those pandemic.33 As of February 2021, there were nearly without quality home internet during the pandemic 20,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in First Nation can be excluded from significant economic reserves, approximately 40% higher than the rate opportunities, including online job searching in the overall population.34 Inadequate housing, and remote employment, which enable working pre-existing health conditions and geographic safely from their homes. The need for internet isolation within Indigenous communities can and personal devices that enable access, including also aggravate risks associated with COVID-19.35 computers, smartphones or tablets, has widely Indigenous communities’ access to digital services, expanded as work, education, healthcare services reliable online communication networks and public and social interactions have shifted to remote or health resources is especially urgent now following virtual setups. major closures and territory-wide shutdowns.36

In January 2021, Statistics Canada estimated CANADA’S CHALLENGES: INTERNET approximately 5.4 million Canadians, or 27% INFRASTRUCTURE, SPECTRUM AND of those employed, were working from home, AFFORDABILITY surpassing the previous high of 5.1 million in the first wave of April 2020.28 Throughout the Infrastructure pandemic, nearly all K-12 and post-secondary People in Canada without sufficient internet access learning in Canada has been operating remote- generally live in rural and sparsely developed areas only or in hybrid models.29 With the possibility that where private providers have found it not profitable remote work and learning may play a larger role enough to build adequate infrastructure. Weather going forward and even past the pandemic, digital conditions in remote areas, particularly in Canada’s inclusion has become increasingly imperative — a North, can make it especially difficult to install and necessity that a large number of working families maintain sophisticated internet infrastructure.37 cannot afford to forgo. As an example, one study found that the annual capital costs of mobile wireless service providers Not only is home internet vital to economic were 48% higher in Canada compared to a set outcomes, but it also increases access to essential of peer jurisdictions (, France, Germany, healthcare, banking, news and government services Italy, Japan and UK).38 Piecemeal approaches to that have shifted to online-first provision, including infrastructure developments for Indigenous and booking a COVID-19 test or applying for emergency remote communities can also create information income support programs.30 In fact, one U.S. study gaps and digital inequities between jurisdictions, of mobile devices found that unequal access to making it more difficult for different communities high-speed internet significantly impacts the to connect with one another.39 ability of people to stay at home, and drove much of the observed income correlation with stay-at- Spectrum home compliance.31 Because internet access is The federal government is responsible for the not equitably distributed in Canada, older adults, allocation and licensing to service providers of individuals with disabilities and lower-income the electromagnetic spectrum required to deliver individuals face an additional risk of social isolation broadband wireless services.40 Federal auctions and loneliness during the pandemic. distribute spectrum licences and ‘set-asides’— amounts of spectrum reserved for smaller and

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 7 regional service providers to promote competition WHAT IS BROADBAND? among companies in markets where enough spectrum is available.41 Canada Broadband generally refers to high- auctioned 600 MHz of spectrum in 2019 and plans speed internet access that is always to auction an additional 200 MHz (with 50 MHz available and faster than traditional reserved for set-asides) in June 2021 to support dial-up access through a telephone the deployment of 5G technologies.42 The pace of connection. The CRTC has defined spectrum release, the proportion subject to set- broadband as internet access of at aside, and wholesale rates charged to smaller least 1.5 megabits per second. There providers for access to major service networks, are two ways to connect to broadband all impact the overall price paid by consumers internet: either a fixed line connected and are subject to considerable debate.43, 44 The to your home or business, or through same study found average spectrum prices in a mobile connection. Canada were nearly four times higher than its peer jurisdictions.45 Fixed line broadband is usually what people think of when hearing Affordability ‘broadband’, which is an internet Even areas where internet infrastructure and connection delivered through fibre quality are sufficient, affordability concerns optic cable, television cable or remain in urban and rural areas alike. According dedicated phone line. This connects to to the 2019 CRTC Annual Communications Pricing a router, which is used to connect all Survey, the average price of 50/10 Mbps unlimited the user’s devices wirelessly through internet in Canada is $69 per month. For those Wi-Fi or directly via an Ethernet cable. without a home internet subscription, 28% say the cost of service is the reason, impacting their Mobile broadband, on the other hand, ability to access critical services and information, works by connecting wirelessly to a including banking, healthcare and education.46 mobile network with a SIM card. Long- Affordability issues also extend to the cost of Term Evolution (LTE) is the standard devices required to connect to the internet; 19% of for wireless data transmission that households without home internet cannot afford enables internet connection through a the equipment needed to connect.47 mobile device. Users can also connect to mobile broadband through, for example, an internet stick or portable Wi-Fi hotspot, or a SIM card in a tablet or laptop.

28% of those without home internet access say the cost of service is the reason

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 8 CURRENT STEPS TO CLOSE THE Many Canadian municipalities also provide free DIVIDE Wi-Fi hotspots to residents in need through public libraries or shelters. School boards across To close Canada’s digital divides, several public and Canada have also provided students in need with private initiatives have been introduced in recent internet-enabled devices and internet hot-spots years to expand access and adoption of internet during school closures resulting from the COVID-19 services for some groups at a digital disadvantage. pandemic.61

Public Initiatives Corporate Initiatives The federal government launched the Connecting A number of private initiatives have also taken Families program in 2017, an initiative that provides steps to close Canada’s digital divides. TELUS’s subsidized $10/month home internet of at least 10 Internet and Mobility for Good programs provide Mbps download speed to low-income families with $10/month internet to 85,000 households that children eligible for the maximum Canada Child are receiving disability benefits, are low-income Benefit.48 seniors, are youth aging out of the child welfare system, or are students in need in Alberta and The federal government invested more than British Columbia.62 Rogers also introduced the $800 million between 2014 and 2019 in the Connected for Success program, providing $10/ Connecting Canadians and Connect to Innovate month internet to 25,000 households in low- programs to support infrastructure projects in income community housing across Canada.63 underserved communities.49,50 In November 2020, the announced its The federal government announced an $85-million Universal Broadband Fund, promising $1.75 billion investment in Canadian satellite company Telesat in additional infrastructure investment over seven to develop, test and secure new low-Earth orbit years to advance 50/10 Mbps internet to 98% of satellites (LEO) that could increase broadband Canadians by 2026 and achieve 100% connectivity capacity in rural and remote Canada.64 Canadian by 2030, with emphasis on rural, remote and satellite initiatives are part of the accelerating Indigenous communities.51 ‘space race’ — the promise of LEO satellites to expand internet to places not connected to fibre- Provincial governments across Canada have also optic cables and provide faster data transfer announced more than $1.7 billion in combined rates is triggering a world-wide contest between investment to expand internet availability since technology companies, including SpaceX and 2018. The provincial governments in Ontario Telesat, to establish functioning internet satellite ($1 billion)52, Québec ($400 million),53 Nova constellations.65 Scotia ($193 million),54 British Columbia ($100 million),55 New Brunswick ($10 million),56 There are also a wide variety of community and ($5 million),57 PEI ($3 million)58 and Newfoundland not-for-profit initiatives to help close the digital and Labrador ($2 million)59 have each announced divide. For example, Connected North works with new investment plans, often with an emphasis on more than 100 schools in remote communities underserved households not covered by federal in Canada’s North to provide broadband video investments or to complement private sector connections linking them to resources and investments. To further address Indigenous- educators in the south.66 Despite recent progress specific gaps, various policy advocacy groups, in expanding internet availability, significant gaps including the First Mile Connectivity Consortium, remain. This participatory workshop series will have successfully advanced significant federal convene people living in Canada, policymakers, and provincial infrastructure projects in remote industry, researchers and civic institutions to Indigenous areas.60 accelerate regulatory, policy and programmatic solutions needed to overcome Canada’s persistent digital divides.

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 9 PART 1: No households in the territories have access to the 50/10 Mbps unlimited data target.71 The fastest INDIGENOUS, internet available in Nunavut is 15 Mbps.72

RURAL AND REMOTE A significant proportion of Indigenous people COMMUNITIES report feeling digitally left behind, without full or adequate access to digital opportunities and services.73 Indigenous communities have also The CRTC aims to have 90% of homes in Canada reported higher rates of digital isolation and provided with the ability to subscribe to internet exclusion, even among some adjacent to urban speeds of at least 50/10 Mbps by the end of 2021, or peri-urban communities.74 Only 35% of and 95% of households by 2026.67 However, many households in First Nation reserves have access people in rural and remote communities do not to 50/10 Mbps unlimited internet, and 13% do not have access to an internet connection that meets even have access to 5 Mbps download speeds.75 these standards. Only 46% of rural households Internet service at the 50/10 Mbps target is still can subscribe to the target of 50/10 Mbps and not accessible to any First Nations reserves in unlimited data, up only slightly from 39% in 2016.68 Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Access to download speeds at 50+ Mbps with data Territories, and Nunavut, as well as 98% of reserves caps has been accelerating more quickly, increasing in Saskatchewan and .76 from 41% in 2016 to 65% in 2019.69 However, a recent study by Opensignal found that average A number of underlying issues contribute internet speeds in rural households are still to Canada’s shortcomings in rural, northern approximately two times slower than those of and Indigenous digital access. Many remote urban areas with populations of 100,000 or more.70 communities are located in some of the most challenging landscapes and terrains in Canada, The disparity in digital access is greater for making infrastructure investments costly and Indigenous communities. In Canada’s northern complex.77 territories, internet access rates are even lower than those of other rural communities.

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 10 For example, less than one-third of major roads and highways in Canada’s territories have LTE mobile broadband coverage — a much lower GUIDING percentage than Canada’s LTE coverage in rural (97.4%) and urban (99.9%) communities.78 QUESTIONS

Without sufficient incentive among private Are recent public providers to invest in internet infrastructure investments and policies in rural and remote communities, Indigenous sufficient to achieve digital communities have had to strongly advocate for greater government funding, while in many inclusion of Indigenous, instances also building and supporting their rural and remote own infrastructure networks.79 Moreover, First communities? Nations communities have cited barriers to building and independently owning their own digital infrastructure, including the federal What Indigenous-specific government’s tendency to overlook Indigenous- needs must be addressed to specific concerns and self-determination during secure digital inclusion? infrastructure development negotiations.80 Indigenous communities have also called for greater data sovereignty over information collected from internet infrastructure networks.81 The First Nation principles of Ownership-Control-Access- Possession (OCAP) stipulates that “First Nations alone [should] have control over data collection processes in their communities, [including] owning and controlling how this information can be stored, interpreted, used, or shared.”82

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 11 PART 2: on internet and mobile phone services, compared to 2.1% for all households.86 In , 34% of LOW-INCOME households indicated they are worried about paying their home internet and cellphone bills COMMUNITIES over the next few months, with rates increasing to 51% among low-income individuals87 and 51% Low-income households in Canada persistently among those who are unemployed.88 A 2020 report lower internet access, quality and ACORN survey study of low- and moderate-income affordability. As of 2017, only 69% of households people89 found that 59% of respondents say they with an income of less than $32,914 had a are forced to shift away money from essential computer and internet services at home, compared needs, including food and recreation, to pay for to 98.5% of households with incomes greater than internet, and 80% found home internet services 83 $132,809. difficult to afford.90

Almost half of households with an annual income Particularly given the recent pandemic, there is an of $30,000 or less did not have high-speed all-time need for increased access to computer and 84 internet in 2018. Particularly for low-income tablet devices. A Statistics Canada study found that, residents who extensively rely on mobile phones as among those without an internet subscription, 19% their primary or only access point to the internet, say the reason is the cost of equipment needed to important online activity such as job searching connect.91 A May 2020 survey found that, among and resume building are significantly stifled by households with incomes under $50,000, 6% households’ inability to subscribe to high-speed did not have a computer and 19% did not have 85 internet. a smartphone, compared to just 2% and 5% of households with incomes above $50,000.92 Households in Canada spend an average of $101 per month on mobile services and $54 per month on internet services. Like most household expenditures, low-income households spend more than twice as much of their income (5.4%)

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 12 The CRTC introduced requirements through the Wireless Code in 2013 to limit the length of wireless contracts to no more than two years to contribute GUIDING to a more dynamic marketplace. As the prices of new smartphones have risen, there have been calls QUESTIONS to extend the allowable amortization period and contract lengths to three years to reduce up-front What steps must Canada prices for new devices. take to increase the adoption of high-speed internet, There have been a number of private and public initiatives to help some low-income groups adopt regardless of income? internet services, including financial support funds, lending programs, and technology education and Given that the internet is an training programs. However, researchers in the essential service, how can United States noted that similar programs are under-utilized by people in socio-economically Canada ensure that internet disadvantaged groups, due to lack of outreach, a service prices are affordable fear of being stigmatized by service providers, and for low-income households? inadequate internet speeds.93

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 13 PART 3: Reasons for lower internet use among older adults vary. A Statistics Canada study says older OLDER ADULTS AND adults may be less likely than younger people to be exposed to the internet from close personal DIGITAL LITERACY acquaintances or social networks.98 A larger proportion of older adults also do not rely on A 2017 study found that 74% of those aged 65 and consistent access to the internet for work or older have home internet services, compared to personal use.99 Moreover, older adults’ attitudes 92% of those aged 50 to 64 and more than 97% of toward the internet significantly differ from youth. 94 those under the age of 50. Lower adoption rates Older people in Canada are more likely to say that for older adults are also accompanied by lower information and communications technologies do speed: 48% of those aged 60 and older in Toronto not help them communicate with others, make report home download speeds below the 50 Mbps informed decisions or save time.100 More research 95 target, compared to 38% overall. Older people in on older adults’ attitudes toward technology after Canada are also more likely to lack a device that the pandemic has forced so many interactions into can connect to the internet; still, 20% of those online formats will be critical. aged 60 and older do not own a smartphone, 96 compared to 5% of those under 60. A 2013 Statistics Canada study found that, on average, adults aged 16 to 65 possessed digital However, the age gap in internet adoption is slowly literacy and problem-solving skills higher than the decreasing. While internet use rates among older OECD average.101 However, Canada’s scores were people are significantly lower than the national significantly polarized: younger people with higher average, a Statistics Canada study conducted from education levels scored significantly better than 2007 to 2016 found that internet use doubled the OECD average, while others (such as older from 32% to 68% among those aged 65 and adults and those with lower educational levels) older, decreasing the absolute gap in internet use scored much lower. This divergence in the results between older Canadians and those aged 45 to 54 suggests that advantaged communities performed 97 from 49% to 28%. much better than international standards, while

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 14 underserved communities continue to report scores below the international average.102 In terms of digital literacy, people in Canada still experience GUIDING a significant gap between technologically- experienced communities and disadvantaged QUESTIONS groups. A quarter of Canadians searching for digital literacy programs cited online security, followed by What barriers do older internet navigation skills and evaluating credible adults face with online online sources, as their most needed priorities.103 access and building digital literacy? How could they be addressed?

How could programs currently designed for younger audiences be inclusive of older adults in Canada?

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 15 PART 4: In 2019, a global software company conducted a study examining the degree to which websites in PEOPLE WITH 28 countries conform to the accessibility standards set out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines DISABILITIES AND (WCAG 2.1), an internationally recognized ACCESSIBILITY accessibility evaluation standard.107 Canada scored 63/100, lagging somewhat behind the U.S., UK, Japan and other European countries.108 Web With more than 6.2 million people in Canada services in the healthcare and education sectors over the age of 15 living with a disability, internet were ranked the most accessible in Canada, while accessibility is a vital goal that affects high- the manufacturing and retail industries ranked the and low-income, young and older individuals lowest.109 alike.104 Digital accessibility involves designing technology experiences that accommodate for The federal and provincial governments have taken and include individuals with disabilities due to, for steps to improve internet accessibility and adoption example, impairments in sight, hearing, speech or among people with disabilities. For example, neurological conditions. Ontario now requires businesses with more than 50 employees to ensure their websites conform The 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability found to the WCAG 2.0 as of January 2021.110 The federal that 2.1 million people aged 15 years or older were government also announced a five-year, $22 million at risk of facing barriers in accessing information Accessible Technology Program in 2017 to co-fund and communications technology.105 In 2018, about innovative projects that develop new assistive one-fifth of people with disabilities did not use and adaptive digital devices and technologies for the internet, compared to only 10% overall.106 people with disabilities.111 Moreover, the Accessible For example, some disabilities require access Canada Act, enacted in July 2019, outlines the to specialized and expensive technology for full federal government’s commitment to make Canada inclusion. barrier-free by 2040 for all people with disabilities in key priority areas, including technology

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 16 communication, and the delivery of programs and services.112 GUIDING Lastly, federal regulations require that retail service providers offer wireless mobile plans QUESTIONS that sufficiently meet the needs of people with disabilities, including the accessible promotion of What further steps are plans through storefronts, websites and customer needed to ensure digital service representatives.113 The CRTC launched a inclusion for people with public proceeding in 2020 to assess how these requirements meet the needs of people with disabilities in Canada? disabilities.114 How can governments better enforce and advance digital accessibility?

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 17 PART 5: collected data from 67 unique public wi-fi hotspots in Montreal and found that a significant PUBLIC INTERNET amount of privacy-sensitive personal data was collected through the use of social login (such ACCESS as Facebook and ) and online registration forms.120 Moreover, some international initiatives Although internet infrastructure availability is near to establish internet infrastructure for public Wi-Fi, universal in many communities, barriers to internet such as the LinkNYC project, have faced criticism adoption, including internet affordability, make a from privacy advocates and critics.121 significant portion of people in Canada reliant on free public internet access at libraries, retail and Municipalities across Canada have expanded public 115 community locations. A significant proportion of wi-fi services to more government buildings, Canadians use public internet access at businesses town centres, recreational facilities and public 116 (41%), schools (16%) and libraries (11%). In 2019, libraries. Some Canadian cities have sought there were over 50,000 wi-fi hotspots throughout partnerships with telecommunication companies Canada providing free access for at least 30 and non-profit organizations to improve public 117 minutes, an increase of 10% since 2018. connectivity to free wi-fi services by revamping under-utilized, publicly-owned fibre networks.122 Privacy and security concerns around accessing One study found that an overwhelming 92% of public Wi-Fi continue to loom large. Public Wi-Fi technology and economic development directors connections that are not encrypted leave users’ from 13 Ontario municipalities say municipal Wi- 118 personal information vulnerable to attack. Fi is a valuable community asset.123 Vancouver Moreover, privacy breaches through illegitimate expanded the number of free Wi-Fi hotspots from hotspots, malware attacks, and the theft of 80 to about 753 in 2019, positioning the city’s username and password information by hackers, free public Wi-Fi network as one of the largest can make public internet access particularly in North America.124 The City of Toronto’s new 119 vulnerable. A study conducted by the Office ConnectTO initiative proposes to leverage city of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada in 2019 resources and infrastructure assets to establish a

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 18 municipally-owned internet broadband network that will increase connectivity in underserved communities.125 GUIDING

A 2018 study found that 56% of Ontarians who QUESTIONS would not have otherwise had access to technology relied on a public library to access technology, How should Canada with rates higher (up to 68%) for older and low- expand access and improve income residents.126 Access to the internet through the experience of public public libraries also helps introduce marginalized communities to new, otherwise inaccessible, internet? technologies.127 Approximately 44% of library users report being introduced to new technology, and Which particular groups are an impressive 92% of them continued to use this most likely to benefit from technology consistently in the long term, especially older adults.128 Moreover, 84% of library users public internet access and reported increased digital comfort after using one how can this be improved? or more services, with a higher 91% rate among visible minority users.129

More than half of Toronto internet users who used a temporarily loaned hotspot had a household income of less than $20,000, and about 67% said the library was their only source of internet.130 Despite the budding potential within public libraries to bridge Canada’s digital divide, home internet access continues to provide a richer and more secure online experience than accessing the internet in a public space.131

Public access to the internet also fosters greater civic, social and community engagement; 68% of library guests use public technology to learn about current news, and 34% to access online government resources.132 Rates of civic engagement from access to public internet were even higher among older, low-income residents and visible minorities.133 The potential for public libraries to provide a useful standard for digital inclusion is promising, particularly if supported by conscious institutional policies to expand public library access to those who need it most.

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 19 PART 6: than one internet-connected device per household member, compared to 56% of those in the YOUTH AND DIGITAL highest quartile.137 Moreover, nearly one-quarter of households in the lowest income quartile SKILLS reported using only mobile devices for accessing the internet, three times higher than those in the Although younger people in Canada have relatively highest income quartile.138 greater internet adoption, a small proportion (1%) of households with children still did not have Mere access to home technology is important, home internet in 2018, with rates higher (4.2%) particularly after the proliferation of home for households in the bottom income quartile e-learning due to the current pandemic; and compared to those in the top income quartile understanding how to use these devices is equally 134 (0.2%). Nevertheless, 94% of 15-year-old vital. During the pandemic and the establishment students across Canada reported having access of virtual learning, school boards, libraries and to a computer at home to use for school, higher private providers across Canada loaned devices than the OECD average of 89%. This proportion equipped with free wireless data plans.139Absent is consistent across Canadian provinces, with the intervention programs prompted by the pandemic, exception of New Brunswick and Manitoba, where digital experience among students and young 135 it was 88%. people in Canada has not been equitable. In 2016, a significant 20% of Grade 4 students reported never Student access to home computers and internet or almost never using a computer or a tablet at connectivity for schoolwork is also correlated home for school work.140 with income:76% of low-income households with children under the age of 18 report accessing a Moreover, more than 20% of 15-year-old students home computer in 2018, sixteen percentage points in Canada report not having been taught various 136 less than high-income households. A Statistics digital literacy and well-being skills, such as Canada report assessing the online preparedness how to detect phishing or spam emails, use of children during the pandemic found that 63% of keywords when using a search engine and how to households in the lowest income quartile had less

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 20 evaluate trustworthiness of online information.141 Without the right digital skills, and with increased access to online spaces for school and personal GUIDING entertainment, children can be more vulnerable to cyber attacks or bullying.142 One study found QUESTIONS that 84% of parents worldwide are worried about their children’s online safety.143 Canada’s primary How can Canada improve privacy legal framework, the Personal Information the equitable availability Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), of digital learning among does not stipulate any child-specific requirements when it comes to protecting younger Canadians’ youth coming out of the privacy online.144 pandemic?

Inadequate digital access hinders some people’s How can digital spaces ability to establish lifelong digital skills at an early age, possibly reducing digital literacy disparities better aid youth learning among age groups in the long term. Digital skills and development? What have also become increasingly more critical as digital skills are necessary production and work methods have become progressively more digitized.145 Without access to to maximize benefit from sufficient digital skills development, students and e-learning opportunities? young adults in underserved communities may become severely disadvantaged as future workers.

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 21 CONCLUSION

Although overall access to internet infrastructure in Canada is relatively high, significant gaps continue to impede the adoption of essential essential online services for many people in Canada. Exploring Canada’s digital divides is more pertinent now than ever before in light of the new restrictions and economic challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to the internet at home has become an imperative necessity for all those living in Canada, particularly those facing remote employment or needing to access critical healthcare online.

This workshop series will explore existing gaps in Canadians’ access to and adoption of home internet and digital services. We will seek to understand how and why a significant portion of people in Canada are still not subscribed to adequate internet services. Through participatory and cross-sectoral dialogue, we will examine the ways in which low-income households, older adults and individuals with disabilities, as well as rural and Indigenous communities, are disproportionately less likely to have home internet at sufficient speeds and reliability. The series will also explore opportunities to expand public internet access and improve digital skills among youth.

Exposing gaps in access to digital services is the first step to ensuring everyone in Canada is digitally included. We hope that discussing the systematic, persistent gaps in access and affordability will help inform new programmatic responses, enhance evidence-based digital governance policies, and better direct investments to close Canada’s digital divides.

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OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 23 40 Global Systems for Mobile Communications Associations (GSMA). 58 Economic Growth, Tourism, and Culture. (2020, August 25). https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/what-is-spectrum/ Government of Prince Edward Island. Internet Plan. https://www. princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/economic-growth-tourism- 41 Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. and-culture/internet-plan Government of Canada. 3500 MHz band spectrum auction. https:// www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/ 59 Executive Council. Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation. (2018, news/2020/03/3500-mhz-band-spectrum-auction.html January 2). Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Significant Investments to Improve Internet Access in Newfoundland and 42 Government of Canada. (2019, June). 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High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy. http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/139.nsf/ 67 Government of Canada. (2016, December 21). CRTC establishes fund eng/h_00002.html to attain new high-speed Internet targets. https://www.canada.ca/en/ radio-television-telecommunications/news/2016/12/crtc-establishes- 52 Ontario Newsroom. (2021, January 20). Ontario Bringing Faster, fund-attain-new-high-speed-internet-targets.html More Reliable Broadband to the North. https://news.ontario.ca/en/ release/60022/ontario-bringing-faster-more-reliable-broadband-to- 68 CRTC (2020). the-north 69 Ibid. 53 Saint-Arnaud, P. (2019, October 18). Quebec invests millions for 70 Marek, Sue. (2020, May 25). The state of rural Canada’s Mobile high-speed internet in the regions. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/ Network Experience – May 2020. Opensignal. https://www.opensignal. news/6052008/quebec-high-speed-internet/ com/2020/05/25/the-state-of-rural-canadas-mobile-network- 54 Develop Nova Scotia. (2020). Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative. experience-may-2020 https://developns.ca/projects/high-speed-internet/ 71 CRTC (2020). 55 Government of British Columbia. Connectivity Funding Programs. 72 . (2019, September 17). High-speed Internet and LTE https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc/ wireless now available in all 25 Nunavut communities.https://www. connectivity-funding-programs bce.ca/news-and-media/releases/show/high-speed-internet-and-lte- 56 Office of the Premier of New Brunswick. (2018, August 3). Faster wireless-now-available-in-all-25-nunavut-communities internet to become available in rural New Brunswick. https://www2. 73 First Mile Connectivity Consortium. (2018). gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2018.08.1079.html 74 Ibid. 57 Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Government of Canada. (2018, June 20). News Release. Yukon 75 CRTC (2020). communities to benefit from more reliable Internet. https:// 76 Ibid. www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/ 77 news/2018/06/yukon-communities-to-benefit-from-more-reliable- First Mile Connectivity Consortium. (2018). internet.html 78 CRTC (2020). 79 First Mile Connectivity Consortium. (2018).

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 24 80 McMahon, R. (2011). The Institutional Development of Indigenous 103 Canadian Internet Registration Authority. (2018). The Gap Between Broadband Infrastructure in Canada and the United States: Two Paths Us: Perspectives on Building a Better Online Canada. https://www.cira. to “Digital Self-Determination”. Canadian Journal of Communication, ca/resources/state-internet/report/gap-between-us-perspectives- 36(1), 115. https://cjc-online.ca/index.php/journal/article/view/2372/2942 building-a-better-online-canada 81 Animikii. (2020, May 30). Divide: SpaceX, Starlink, and the 104 Statistics Canada. Government of Canada. (2017). Canadian Indigenous Spaces Between. https://www.animikii.com/news/digital- Survey on Disability, 2017. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily- divide-spacex-starlink-and-the-indigenous-spaces-between quotidien/181128/dq181128a-eng.htm 82 First Nations Information Governance Centre. The First Nations 105 Bizier, C; Contreras, R; Walpole, A. (2016, February 29). Canadian Principles of OCAP. https://fnigc.ca/ocap-training/ Survey on Disability, 2012. Statistics Canada. Government of Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-654-x/89-654-x2016001-eng. 83 CRTC (2019). htm 84 Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. 106 Statistics Canada. (2020, July 6). Government of Canada. The Government of Canada (2019, November 22). Connecting Families. vulnerability of Canadians with disabilities during the COVID-19 https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/111.nsf/eng/home pandemic. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200706/ 85 Fernandez, L., Shillair, R., & Reisdorf, B. (2019). Building Our Own dq200706a-eng.htm Bridges: How a Distressed Urban Neighborhood Bridges the Digital 107 Siteimprove. (2019). Canadian Industries Lag Behind on Web Divide. Quello Center Working Paper. Accessibility. https://siteimprove.com/en-ca/company/press/canadian- 86 Statistics Canada’s Survey of Household Spending, Table: 11-10-0223- industries-lag-behind-on-website-accessibility/ 01 108 Ibid. 87 Low-income households refers to those with an income of $30,000 109 Ibid. or less. 110 Government of Ontario. (2020). How to make websites accessible. 88 Andrey, S., (2021). https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-make-websites-accessible 89 Low-income individuals in this survey refers to those with an income 111 Innovation, Science, and Economic Development. (2017). Accessible of $35,000 or less. Technology Program. https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/118.nsf/eng/home 90 ACORN Canada. (2016). Internet for All: Internet Use and Accessibility 112 Employment and Social Development Canada. Summary of the for Low-Income Canadians. https://s3.amazonaws.com/tld-documents. Accessible Act Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social- llnassets.com/0020000/20620/internet%20for%20all%20 development/programs/accessible-canada/act-summary.html internet%20use%20and%20accessibility%20for%20low-income%20 canadians.pdf 113 Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission. (2020, June 1). Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2020-178. https:// 91 Statistics Canada. (2019). Canadian Internet Use Survey. https:// crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2020/2020-178.htm www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/191029/dq191029a-eng.htm 114 Ibid. 92 Ryerson University representative online survey in May 2020 of 2,000 Canadians; see: https://www.cybersecurepolicy.ca/agenda 115 Canadian Library Association. (2016). Public Access to the Internet Position Statement. http://cfla-fcab.ca/en/guidelines-and-position- 93 Fernandez, L. (2019). papers/public-access-to-the-internet-position-statement/ 94 Media Technology Monitor (Fall 2017) available in Figure 1.8 of CRTC 116 Statistics Canada. Location of Internet access by age group and Communications Monitoring Report 2019 household income quartile, Table 22-10-0081-01. 95 Andrey, S., Masoodi, M.J., Malli, N., & Dorkenoo, S. (2021, January). Mapping Toronto’s Digital Divide. Ryerson Leadership Lab and Brookfield 117 CRTC (2020). Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship. https://www.ryersonleadlab. 118 Norton LifeLock. The Risks of Public Wi-Fi. https://ca.norton.com/ com/digital-divide internetsecurity-privacy-risks-of-public-wi-fi.html 96 Masoodi, M.J., Andrey, S., Bardeesy, K. & Choudhry, Z. (2020). Race to 119 Ibid. Trace: Security and Privacy of COVID-19 Contact Tracing Apps. Ryerson 120 University. https://www.cybersecurepolicy.ca/racetotrace Office of the Commissioner of Canada. Government of Canada. (2019, September 25). Privacy Leakage in Canadian Public Wi-Fi 97 Davidson, J; Schimmele, C. (2019, July 10). Statistics Networks. https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/opc-actions-and-decisions/ Canada. Government of Canada. Evolving Internet Use research/funding-for-privacy-research-and-knowledge-translation/ Among Canadian Seniors. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/ completed-contributions-program-projects/2018-2019/p_201819_06/ pub/11f0019m/11f0019m2019015-eng.htm 121 Buttar, S; Kalia, A. (2017, October 4). LinkNYC Improves Privacy Policy, 98 Ibid. Yet Problems Remain. Electronic Frontier Foundation. https://www.eff. 99 Ibid. org/deeplinks/2017/09/linknyc-improves-privacy-policy-yet-problems- remain 100 Ibid. 122 City of Toronto. (2021). Affordable Internet Connectivity for All 101 Statistics Canada. Government of Canada. (2013). Skills in Canada: - ConnectTO. https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/bgrd/ First Results from the Programme for the International Assessment of backgroundfile-159927.pdf Adult Competencies (PIAAC). https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89- 555-x/89-555-x2013001-eng.htm 102 Ibid.

OVERCOMING DIGITAL DIVIDES: WORKSHOP SERIES 25 123 Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN). (2016). Municipal Public 145 Thornton, J; Rivera, D. (2019, August). Sign of the Times: Expert Wi-Fi a Sound Investment? https://www.eorn.ca/en/eorn-resources/ Insights About employment in 2030. Brookfield Institute for Innovation resources/Documents/EORN_WP_WiFi_FINAL.pdf and Entrepreneurship. https://brookfieldinstitute.ca/wp-content/ 124 Little, S. (2018, January 19). Free public Wi-Fi now available at 550 uploads/Sign-of-the-Times-online.pdf locations throughout Vancouver - BC. Global News. https://globalnews. ca/news/3976726/free-public-wi-fi-now-available-at-550-locations- throughout-vancouver/ 125 City of Toronto. (2021, January 13). Affordable Internet Connectivity for All - ConnectTO. https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ex/ bgrd/backgroundfile-159927.pdf 126 Toronto Public Library. (2018). Technology Access in Public Libraries: Outcomes and Impacts for Ontario Communities. https://www. torontopubliclibrary.ca/content/bridge/pdfs/nordicity-full-report.pdf 127 Ibid. 128 Ibid. 129 Ibid. 130 Olivieira, M. (2018). Toronto libraries loaning out internet access via Wi-Fi hotspots. Canadian Press. https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto- libraries-loaning-out-internet-access-via-wi-fi-hotspots-1.3888094 131 Canadian Internet Registration Authority. (2018). The Gap Between Us: Perspectives on Building a Better Online Canada. https://www.cira. ca/resources/state-internet/report/gap-between-us-perspectives- building-a-better-online-canada 132 Toronto Public Library. (2018). 133 Ibid. 134 Frenette, M; Frank, K; Deng, Z. (2020). COVID-19 Pandemic: School Closures and the Online Preparedness of Children. Statistics Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-626-x/11-626-x2020001-eng. htm 135 Statistics Canada. (2020). Digital Literacy Skills of Canadian Youth Compare Favourably with OECD Average. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/ n1/daily-quotidien/201214/dq201214a-eng.htm 136 Frenette, M (2020). 137 Ibid. 138 Ibid. 139 DeClerq, K. (2020, April 17). Ontario distributing free iPads to kids who cannot access province’s online learning tools. CTV News. https:// toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-distributing-free-ipads-to-kids-who- cannot-access-province-s-online-learning-tools-1.4900317 140 Statistics Canada. (2020). Digital Literacy Skills of Canadian Youth Compare Favourably with OECD Average. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/ n1/daily-quotidien/201214/dq201214a-eng.htm 141 Ibid. 142 Canadian Red Cross. (2017, August 30). Survey reveals one in three Canadians who witness cyber-bullying stand up to it. https://www. redcross.ca/about-us/media-news/news-releases/survey-reveals-one- in-three-canadians-who-witness-cyber-bullying-stand-up-to-it 143 Kaspersky’s Family Campaign Report. (2019, September). Parents fear for kids’ online safety, but aren’t putting time in to talk about it. https:// www.kaspersky.com/about/press-releases/2019_parents-are-worried- about-their-childs-online-safety 144 TermsFeed. Child Privacy Laws. (2020, December 22). https://www. termsfeed.com/blog/child-privacy-laws/#Canada_Child_Privacy_Laws

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