Strengthening the Digital Literacy of Canadians during COVID-19

Canadian Bankers Association sponsors ABC Internet Matters program

TORONTO, ON –/COMMUNITYWIRE/– In recognition of Financial Literacy Month in November, the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) today announced a year-long sponsorship of ABC Life Literacy Canada (ABC)’s program ABC Internet Matters. The program provides introductory digital literacy education for Canadian seniors who are not using the internet and adult learners who have a gap on the digital curve, some of whom may feel digitally disconnected due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The CBA is proud to sponsor the ABC Internet Matters program, which is directly aimed at improving seniors’ capacity to stay safe, informed and connected in an increasingly networked world,” says Neil Parmenter, President and CEO, Canadian Bankers Association. “The impact of COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of digital services in all facets of life, including banking services, and this program helps bridge the digital divide among senior Canadians.”

ABC Internet Matters empowers Canadians who are not comfortable using the internet with the knowledge they need to get started. Through the program, seniors and adult learners across Canada develop a deeper understanding of what the internet is, how they can access it affordably and securely, and how it can help them do the things that are important to them, their families and community. Drawing from Adult Learning Theory, the program material is delivered through a comprehensive bilingual workbook made available at no cost by ABC partner organizations and service providers across Canada. The learning continuum extends online through a complementary web portal at abcinternetmatters.ca featuring additional modules and an electronic version of the workbook available for download. The tangible workbook and web portal help build the confidence and foundational skills of seniors and adult learners to start using the internet and engage in further online learning opportunities.

“The number of adult learners and seniors with access to the internet is growing significantly, but many of them don’t have the appropriate digital literacy skills to use the internet safely,” says Mack Rogers, Executive Director, ABC Life Literacy Canada. “We’re grateful for the support of the Canadian Bankers Association to develop and share ABC Internet Matters resources, helping this vulnerable population gain vital skills during a time when technology has proven to be more important than ever.”

Canada’s population is ageing and, as life increasingly moves online during the pandemic, a generation unfamiliar with some technology faces a digital divide. Nearly 7 million Canadians are aged 65 years and above, accounting for 18 per cent of Canada’s population, and that number is expected to increase to more than 9.5 million by 2030. While internet access has reached near-saturation levels among Canadians aged 15 to 64, its diffusion into the senior population is far less extensive, as roughly 30 per cent of seniors do not use the internet.^[1] This “digital ageism” could lead to informational disadvantages for Canadian seniors, particularly for immigrant seniors with language barriers.

About the Canadian Bankers Association

The Canadian Bankers Association is the voice of more than 60 domestic and foreign banks that help drive Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. The CBA advocates for public policies that contribute to a sound, thriving banking system to ensure Canadians can succeed in their financial goals. www.cba.ca

About ABC Life Literacy Canada

ABC Life Literacy Canada® is a non-profit organization that aims to strengthen organizations that promote adult learning. It develops and supports the use of high-quality introductory learning materials and resources written in clear language. ABC envisions a Canada where everyone has the tools and opportunities they need to improve their literacy and essential skills. www.abclifeliteracy.ca

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Mathieu Labrèche
Director, Media Strategy
Canadian Bankers Association
mlabreche@cba.ca
416-918-2777

Ashley Tilley
ABC Life Literacy Canada
communications@abclifeliteracy.ca
647-326-9393

[1] Davidson, J., and C. Schimelle. 2019. “Evolving Internet Use Among Canadian Seniors.” Statistics Canada, 11F0019M No. 427.