Grass Roots Discontinued

2004 Budget Update - Changes to the Community Access and SchoolNet Programs

The following information updates the message of March 23, 2004, on the Budget 2004 funding allocation for the Community Access and SchoolNet programs.

CAP and SchoolNet programs have new strategic directions, along with lower funding levels through fiscal years 2004-05 and 2005-06. The total of $50 million per year for two years is allocated both for financial contributions, as well as for internal operating and salary costs.

Funding for CAP will be $25 million per year for 2004-05 and 2005-06. Rather than supporting general public access to the Internet, CAP will focus on supporting public access sites that serve communities of greatest need (digital divide communities) as well as on supporting access to on-line government services. This will require both a shift in focus and a downsizing of the network.

Funding for the SchoolNet programs will be $25 million per year for 2004-05 and 2005-06, of which $15 million per year will be directed to First Nations SchoolNet. The new SchoolNet family will include the following programs: First Nations SchoolNet, Computers for Schools, Canada’s Campus Connection/Campus Canada, NetCorps Canada International, as well as related e-learning research and tools/standards development.

At the same time, certain SchoolNet initiatives will be discontinued. These programs are: GrassRoots, SkillNet, Canada's Digital Collections, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Camps, Canada’s Information Technology Week, and LibraryNet. As well, the Office of International Partnerships will be disbanded, with certain functions considered for transfer to other branches within the department.

The Network of Innovative Schools will continue for the first part of this fiscal year in order to allow for a final phase of the program to be undertaken with schools that are already part of the Network.

Given the changes to SchoolNet programs, the SchoolNet Portal will no longer be an area of major activity. Content from the portal will either be transferred to other parties, or remain as part of the branch Web presence, which will be restructured to align with the branch’s new focus.

As planned, the Smart Communities program will also be winding down this fiscal year with the completion of the final projects and the documentation of lessons learned.

As programs proceed with operational planning, further information will be made available. In the interim, if you require further information or have any questions, please contact your Industry Canada regional office:

Atlantic (including Newfoundland and Labrador)
George Richard
Moncton, NB
(506) 851-6517

Quebec
Michel Scott
Montreal, QC
(514) 283-7046

Ontario
Allan Anderson
Toronto, ON
(416) 954-5447

Prairie & Northern
Kevin Paterson
Winnipeg, MB
(204) 983-4395

British Columbia & Yukon Territory
Penny Stratas
Vancouver, BC
(604) 666-5422