There is a great new initiative by the federal government called Connecting Families. The program helps bridge the digital divide for families who struggle to afford access to home internet. The program will enable eligible Canadian families to access high speed internet service packages for $10 per month (plus tax) from participating internet service providers such as Shaw and Telus.
The program also includes the distribution of up to 50,000 free computers to eligible households through the Computers for Schools program.
How do families access? In November 2018 families receiving the maximum Canada Child Benefit will be randomly selected by the federal government and receive a letter. The letter contains an access code that families will require to sign up for the initiative through a secure online portal. While the access code is valid throughout the initiative, access to the discounted internet or a computer will depend on availability.
The Society recommends that families that receive the letter immediately follow the instructions in the letter and enrol.