QUESTION PERIOD — Innovation, Science and Economic Development
CanCode
October 2, 2024
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, Friday is World Teachers’ Day, a day to celebrate the transformative role teachers have in the lives of our youth. I know we all have a special memory about a teacher who helped shape who we are.
World Teachers’ Day reminded me of a Budget 2024 promise to provide an additional $40 million to the CanCode program. Can you provide us with an update on the department’s work in advancing the next phase of the program?
Set to expire in March 2026, CanCode helps students develop coding and digital skills, setting them up for success in an increasingly digital economy. Some 450,000 teachers have already been equipped with tools to help students learn to code.
Thank you for your question and for highlighting World Teachers’ Day as well as the fantastic program to which you referred.
The government recently announced it has launched the fourth phase of CanCode, including a $39.2-million investment in the program. The program is currently looking for applications from not-for-profit organizations offering students from kindergarten through Grade 12 the opportunity to learn digital skills such as coding, as well as AI knowledge.
This iteration of the program also aims to offer learning opportunities to 1.5 million students and to train 100,000 teachers to incorporate new digital skills and technologies into the classroom.
Thank you for that answer.
Can you speak to us about CanCode’s project management framework and the control mechanisms in place to track individual project progress?
What reporting requirements will funding recipients have to meet?
We know, for instance, that nearly $230 million has already been invested in various not-for-profit organizations, and over 9 million students have already benefited from coding training.
I understand the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development works with recipients to monitor the project’s progress and offer guidance on relevant policies. This can include periodic attendance at meetings or classes as an observer.
In addition, there is regular and frequent contact that facilitates the sharing of information between parties to the contribution agreement.
