Definition:

Public Internet Access Centres (IACs) are places within the community, in both rural and urban areas, where you will find computers with Internet access and many other affordably priced services. Internet Access Centres are also a meeting place for people in the community.

Whether you want to do research on the Internet, play games with friends, visit a chatroom, do your schoolwork, go job searching or take an on-line course, everyone – young and old alike – is invited to visit their local Centre.

Industry Canada 's Community Access Program was launched in 1994 with the goal of making Canadians the most Internet-connected people in the world.

At your IAC, there's always someone on hand to answer your questions!

Mission:

The Estrie rural network of Public Internet Access Centres was established with the goal of offering up-to-date communication and information technology services to the entire population. To accomplish this, the network's 16 Centres offer a multitude of training opportunities, on-the-spot help and other services at affordable prices.

For children, adolescents, and adults alike, and whether you are a job-seeker or a retired member of the community, the motto of the Public Internet Access Centres is:

"We're here for you, to offer our best services according to your needs."

The CAP:

In 1994, Industry Canada created the CAP, which was and still is an important part of the federal initiative Connecting Canadians. This project's goal is to make Canada the most wired country in the world. To do this, the CAP offers to:

• promote public awareness of the benefits and opportunities of using information technology and services
• help citizens become better informed through the exchange of ideas and information
• coach individuals in the use of services available through information technology
• support on-line delivery of government programs and services
• facilitate business activities such as e-commerce.

The CAP is a partnership among governments, the private sector and community organizations. Its goal is to accelerate public access to the Internet throughout the country. In recent years, the Internet has become a powerful tool for economic and social development in the global knowledge-based economy. The Government of Canada is committed to providing affordable Internet access to all citizens, particularly to low-income, socially disadvantaged and young Canadians. The CAP's affordable access is an excellent way for individuals and communities to learn about the Internet, develop information technology skills, exchange ideas with others, research information, post community events, or connect to government programs and services. The CAP is our opportunity to explore the advantages of electronic networking for individuals and communities.

Objectives:

The goal of the Community Access Program (CAP) is to offer residents of every rural, urban or remote area in Canada affordable access to the Internet as well as to new means of communication, training and doing business in today's knowledge-based economy.

The principal objective of the CAP is to create 10,000 affordable public access centres such as the Internet Access Centres (IAC), including 5,000 in rural regions and another 5,000 in urban areas all across Canada .

Rural IACs in the Estrie region:

Click on the name of the city of the IAC you want to have details on.
Click on the text to come back to the map.