Funding for Community Access Program (CAP) sites—such as one in Digby’s public library—runs out at the end of this month, but there is little agreement on what happens next.
Charlotte Janes, chair of the Association of Western Valley Cap Sites, said March 8 that she is hopeful the federal government’s forthcoming budget will include money for the program.
“All things point to it being continued,” she said. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed.”
However, Howard Epstein, economic development critic with the provincial NDP, said last week he has documents received under the Freedom of Information Act that say the program is ending.
He said the documents state funding was provided for 2006-07 “to facilitate appropriate planning for the remainder of the fiscal year, whether this is in terms of transitioning, scaling back, or winding down your CAP site operations” by March 31.
“Funding for CAP sites runs out at the end of this month. The federal government won’t tell communities whether they will be funded next year. How will communities provide internet access for tourists, for seniors, for small businesses, and for community organizations without this funding?” asked Epstein.
“Premier MacDonald has already stated that it isn’t the role of the provincial government to replace federal funding.”
CAP is a federal government initiative, administered by Industry Canada, that was designed to provide Canadians with affordable public access to the Internet and the skills they need to use it effectively. Public locations like schools, libraries and community centres were to act as on-ramps to the ‘Information Highway’ and provide computer support and training.
In Digby, the library is likely to continue providing access to the Internet through its bank of computers, even if the CAP funding evaporates.
It is one of 17 CAP sites in Digby and Annapolis counties, but not one of the nine that Janes said “probably depend on federal funding as their main financial support.
“Others depend on it in part but possibly could continue to provide public access, but there’d be no one to assist those who aren’t familiar with computers and the Internet.
“If you know what you’re doing when you come in, that’s fine.”
Janes said she is hoping that Ottawa will not just announce funding support for next year, but will commit to multi-year funding. She said the program does make a difference, especially in smaller rural communities where not everyone has a computer or access to high-speed Internet.
Area CAP sites exist in Bear River, Conway, Cornwallis Park, Digby, Digby Neck, Freeport, Meteghan, Westport and Weymouth.
jdemings@digbycourier.ca
Tipping the CAP program?
Tipping the CAP program?
Time running out for federal funding, but hopes for continuation
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