AS PART of the federal Conservative government’s $1 billion in cuts to many important social programs, Nova Scotians will no longer have access to free Internet service at Community Access Program sites across the province after March 31.

Last year the 279 centres serviced 1.8 million users who now have no access to the technology.

These sites are vital to our rural and urban communities and are essential to closing the social-digital divide that exists in our province. For many people in rural Nova Scotia, the Internet connects them with family and friends. It is also how they pay bills, search for employment, help their children with homework and learn more about issues that are important to them.

It is how many people feel connected to other parts of the province and the world.

CAP sites provide great opportunities to the 100 students who are hired every summer. At some sites, these students teach beginners the basics of the Internet and others coach computer camps. It is a wonderful experience for our youth and provides them with a variety of skill sets they wouldn’t receive with other types of employment.

Since 1995, CAP sites have been important pieces of community infrastructure in all areas of our province.

They have become so valuable, the thought of no longer having them in our communities is hard to imagine...

See the full story at The ChronicleHerald.ca