CATALYST
Digital equity:
focusing on every
Canadian's digital future
Canadian's
digital future
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DIGITAL EQUITY
Ready or not, the digital world is evolving fast. If everyone in
Canada can participate fully, then this evolution can bring tremendous
benefits to people and organizations. But we're not there yet. In the
Future of Canada Centre's second report on digital equity, we outline
the actions that must be taken across the three main pillars of
digital equity—access, participation, and ecosystem—to connect all
Canadians to an inclusive digital future.
Read the report to learn more.
CONNECTING TO AN EQUITABLE DIGITAL FUTURE
In this report, we lay out the greatest digital equity challenges facing Canada today and the key actions we must take to build a better, more equitable future by 2030.
DECODING THE DATA
The Future of Canada Centre dove into the survey data on what Canadians think about their access to the internet and digital devices, their skills and confidence when using technology, and their feelings about online privacy, trust, and safety. Find out what challenges they discovered.
I've been bullied online
Over 60% of Indigenous survey respondents said they have experienced online bullying.
People who self-identified as being of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African ethnic or national origins reported similar experiences. In comparison, the national average stood at 25%, dropping to below 20% for Canadians from white Anglophone backgrounds.
It's hard for me to learn new devices and technologies
Age is a major factor of digital inequity in Canada.
Our report revealed a concerning link between age and difficulty navigating many parts of the digital world, including hardware, software, and the internet.
I've had at least some digital skills training
Digital skills training is often only accessible to those who already have post-secondary education.
More than two-thirds of Canadians with a university education have had digital skills training, compared to only half of those without post-secondary education.
How fast is your household internet?
Internet speed is highly correlated with household income.
We found that only 39% of households with annual incomes under $40,000 enjoyed internet speeds at or above the recommended Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission minimum of 50 megabits per second, compared to 58% of all households.
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Over 60% of Indigenous survey respondents said they have experienced online bullying.
People who self-identified as being of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African ethnic or national origins reported similar experiences. In comparison, the national average stood at 25%, dropping to below 20% for Canadians from white Anglophone backgrounds.
(+) pinch to zoom
Age is a major factor of digital inequity in Canada.
Our report revealed a concerning link between age and difficulty navigating many parts of the digital world, including hardware, software, and the internet.
(+) pinch to zoom
Digital skills training is often only accessible to those who already have post-secondary education.
More than two-thirds of Canadians with a university education have had digital skills training, compared to only half of those without post-secondary education.
(+) pinch to zoom
Internet speed is highly correlated with household income.
We found that only 39% of households with annual incomes under $40,000 enjoyed internet speeds at or above the recommended Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission minimum of 50 megabits per second, compared to 58% of all households.
GET THE FULL STORY
Want a look at the full survey results? Let's connect. In the meantime, you can find the highlights and an in-depth analysis in the report.
NAVIGATING OUR DIGITAL FUTURE
For Canada to become a world leader in inclusive digital growth, we need two things from public and private organizations: bold action and unwavering collaboration. Together, we can create a future where all Canadians have access to the digital world, the skills to participate fully, and an ecosystem that enables them to prosper.
DIGITAL EQUITY: THE SERIES
MEET OUR LEADERS
The people leading the digital equity conversation at Deloitte include:
FUTURE OF CANADA CENTRE
The Future of Canada Centre facilitates an exploration of new ideas, viewpoints, and insights about our country's most important national issues, with the aim of helping propel Canada into a new age of growth and competitiveness. It houses a team of Deloitte's most innovative thinkers and experienced leaders, who are valued influencers in their respective fields.