Latest news with #CIRA
Toronto Star
24-07-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
CIRA's Net Good Grants back Indigenous, rural and youth-led initiatives for a safer, more connected Canada
OTTAWA, Ontario, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, CIRA is proud to announce 13 transformative, community-led initiatives funded through its 2025 Net Good Grants program. From remote broadband infrastructure to youth-focused cybersecurity training, these projects are advancing internet safety, access and digital sovereignty across Canada. Each initiative equips communities with the tools, knowledge and infrastructure they need to thrive in an increasingly challenging digital world. The collective impact spans most provinces and territories, reflecting a broad and diverse commitment to digital resilience from the ground up.
Hamilton Spectator
24-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
CIRA's Net Good Grants back Indigenous, rural and youth-led initiatives for a safer, more connected Canada
OTTAWA, Ontario, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, CIRA is proud to announce 13 transformative, community-led initiatives funded through its 2025 Net Good Grants program. From remote broadband infrastructure to youth-focused cybersecurity training, these projects are advancing internet safety, access and digital sovereignty across Canada. Each initiative equips communities with the tools, knowledge and infrastructure they need to thrive in an increasingly challenging digital world. The collective impact spans most provinces and territories, reflecting a broad and diverse commitment to digital resilience from the ground up. Key insights In British Columbia, communities like rural Shuswap region and Cortes Island are developing locally governed broadband co-operatives so that they can build, own and operate networks to directly serve their residents and generate revenue. 'CIRA's support in advancing digital inclusion in the Shuswap will be crucial this year. The funding will empower our community to build open-access, community-driven internet solutions, attract new investment, and engage in inclusive national digital policy conversations. It opens new ways for local groups to address unique challenges and opportunities facing their underserved communities, such as access to online health, education and economic development through employment,' says Sue McCrae, President, Shuswap Economic Development Society. Initiatives like the Digital Defenders Project in Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, the SmartScroll Digital Safety Program in small-town Ontario and Cyber Ready Islanders in Prince Edward Island are helping young people recognize and respond to online harms, misinformation and privacy risks. 'We're proud to have been awarded this 2025 CIRA Net Good Grant! Through intergenerational collaboration, young people across the country will gain vital digital safety skills, support their peers through meaningful in-person dialogue and become part of a national network of youth leaders working to prevent grievances from hardening into violence and radicalization. This is a critical step toward a safe, more connected future,' says Sharif Mahdy, Chief Executive Officer, Students Commission of Canada For professional development, the University of Ottawa's CyberSafe Youth project is delivering cyber attack simulation training to youth in Quebec and Ontario, while the Malahat Nation in B.C. is establishing a cybersecurity operations centre and training hub through its Malahat Internet Safety Initiative. Every initiative is rooted in local collaboration, underscoring a community-first approach to digital empowerment. These projects not only focus on youth development, but will also train educators, parents and community leaders, extending their impact through intergenerational learning and institutional partnerships. Whether through civic engagement in internet policy, broadband infrastructure co-ops, or multilingual online safety programs, these projects exemplify how community-led innovation can drive systemic change and ensure no one is left behind in Canada's digital future. Executive quote 'These projects are powerful examples of how communities across Canada are taking charge of their digital futures. By investing in local infrastructure, online safety and policy engagement, we are helping Canadians build the resilience they need to navigate digital threats, overcome connectivity challenges and shape a more equitable internet on their own terms.'— Charles Noir, Vice-president, Community Investment, Policy & Advocacy, CIRA Actua The organization will enhance its Cyber Smart Program to equip 5,000 young Canadians with essential cyber safety and digital literacy skills. Prioritizing equity-deserving communities, this project will deliver interactive, hands-on programs led by post-secondary student instructors. Participants will learn to critically analyze online information, combat cyber bullying, and become responsible digital citizens, fostering a safer and more informed online experience. Assembly of First Nations (National Indian Brotherhood) This initiative will assess Canada's spectrum ownership, licensing and policy decisions to develop recommendations that support First Nations' access to spectrum. The findings will inform national policy and strengthen First Nations' capacity for spectrum advocacy. By advancing digital sovereignty and enabling participation in telecommunications, the initiative will help close the connectivity gap and empower First Nations to shape their digital futures. A.S.T.C. Science World Society The organization aims to equip students and educators across British Columbia with the skills to use AI tools safely and responsibly. They will deliver workshops and online resources that promote digital literacy and critical thinking, with a focus on identifying and avoiding online misinformation. Community Resource Centre (Killaloe) Inc. CRC's Digital Safety Program will deliver an eight-session digital safety program to youth in grades 3–8 across rural Renfrew County, equipping them with essential digital literacy and online safety skills. Through interactive workshops and family engagement materials, participants will learn about cyberbullying, privacy and responsible digital behavior. Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini The program will deliver culturally grounded AI and cybersecurity education to 10 Algonquin communities through classroom toolkits and digital resources. It will empower over 1,000 Indigenous youth, educators and leaders with the skills to navigate digital environments safely, contribute to AI policy development, and pursue technology careers, as well as foster long-term digital resilience through open-source, curriculum-aligned learning and community-led governance. Malahat Nation A new Cybersecurity Operations Centre & Training Hub will deliver hands-on learning and certification, strengthening digital sovereignty and building long-term community resilience. This project will empower Malahat Nation community members and staff to manage their digital environments securely through culturally relevant cybersecurity training, infrastructure and mentorship. Shuswap Economic Development Society The initiative will develop a comprehensive technical and financial planning package to support the deployment of a community-owned fibre broadband network in the Shuswap region. It will include network designs, cost-benefit analyses and implementation schedules to connect 1,702 underserved households across 16 rural, remote and Indigenous communities. The initiative will lay the groundwork for affordable, high-speed internet access and long-term digital inclusion through a locally governed co-op model. STEAM PEI Ltd The Cyber Ready Islanders project will equip P.E.I. students, educators and guardians with the tools and confidence to navigate online spaces safely. Through workshops, camps and family events, participants will learn to recognize and respond to cyber threats and cyberbullying, supported by hands-on experiences and accessible resources. The initiative will foster a stronger digital safety network across schools, homes and communities in both English and French-speaking regions. Students Commission of Canada The SCC will engage youth and the adults who support them in co-creating and delivering activities that prevent online violence and reduce the risk of radicalization. Through workshops in Northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, participants will explore critical topics such as grooming, gender-based violence and extremist content, while building early intervention skills. Université de Montréal This initiative will strengthen the capacity of French-speaking post-secondary students and civil society to engage with the legal, technological and political dimensions of digital sovereignty. Through workshops, a summer school, ambassador training and public media campaigns, it will foster informed civic participation and leadership in internet governance. University of Ottawa Engineering Outreach The program will train 3,700 youth in cybersecurity and online safety through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. High school students will complete a certification program featuring a cyber attack simulation and practical training in digital defence, while elementary students will engage in interactive workshops tailored to their level. Vancouver Internet Exchange This project will establish a regional Internet Exchange in the Thompson-Okanagan region to improve local connectivity, reduce internet costs and enhance digital resilience across the Okanagan region. By interconnecting ISPs, content providers and network operators, the exchange will serve over 235,000 people, including rural, Indigenous and student populations. The initiative will also expand the Vancouver Internet Exchange's (VANIX) reach and support long-term regional digital growth and innovation. Resources About CIRA CIRA is the national not-for-profit best known for managing the .CA domain on behalf of all Canadians. As a leader in Canada's internet ecosystem, CIRA offers a wide range of products, programs and services designed to make the internet a secure and accessible space for all. CIRA advocates for Canada on both national and international stages to support its goal of building a trusted internet for Canadians by helping shape the future of the internet. About Net Good by CIRA and Net Good Grants Net Good by CIRA is how CIRA gives back to Canada's internet. Funded from the revenue generated through .CA domains, the program supports communities, projects and policies that make Canada's internet a better place. Grants are one of Net Good's most valuable contributions, with over $14 million invested in hundreds of community-led internet projects across the country that address infrastructure, online safety and policy engagement needs. Media contact Delphine Avomo Evouna 613.315.1458 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
DA's Ian Cameron apologises to Shauwn Mkhize over ‘wrong Vusi' claim after legal threat
DA MP Ian Cameron publicly apologised to Shauwn Mkhize after falsely linking her to Vusi Matlala in a firearms case, later admitting the ammunition belonged to Vusi Xaba. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers Democratic Alliance parliamentary police committee chair Ian Cameron has publicly apologised to Durban business tycoon Shauwn Mkhize, admitting he mistakenly named businessman Vusi 'Cat' Matlala over guns found on her property, while they belonged to businessman Vusi Xaba. 'It was quite interesting… It was Monday during a press briefing when I said the wrong Vusimusi in terms of firearms illegally stored at one of her properties,' Cameron said Wednesday outside Parliament. He acknowledged the mistake, saying the ammunition belonged to businessman Vusi Xaba, not controversial figure Vusi 'Cat' Matlala, who has been linked to the criminal underworld and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. 'I just by mistake said the wrong Vusimusi - I said Vusi Musi Matlala instead of Vusi Musi Xaba - and that's that,' Cameron said. Even though he apologised for naming the wrong person, Cameron maintained that the firearms were stored illegally. 'The point is, there were severe irregularities - transgressions of both the CIRA regulations for private security and the Firearms Control Act,' he said. On Tuesday, an IOL News investigation revealed that the ammunition found at Mkhize's property belonged to Xaba. The news followed Cameron's Monday announcement in which he incorrectly stated the firearms were linked to Matlala. "I can confirm it was a slip-up with the name and that the guns did in fact belong to Vusi Xaba, not Matlala. However, while the ownership was legal, the storage of the arms was illegal," Cameron told IOL News. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Mkhize's lawyer, Mpho Nefuri, rejected that claim and demanded a public retraction and apology within 48 hours. "My client's name was erroneously linked to criminal activity, with even SAPS mentioned to give the false claim credence,' Nefuri said. 'There's been no report from SAPS stating the arms were illegally owned or stored. My client doesn't even know Vusi Matlala.' In a letter of demand to Cameron, seen by IOL News, Nefuri said that Cameron's comments harmed Mkhize's dignity and reputation. 'As a leader, public representative, and member of Parliament, you are duty-bound to ensure your statements are accurate and do not unjustly harm others,' the letter reads. 'Your failure to verify the veracity of your claims constitutes a gross and negligent violation of our client's rights under South African law, including her constitutional rights under Sections 10 and 16.' The letter demanded a clear, unequivocal public retraction published or broadcast in Parliament and across the same media platforms. Cameron, however, told IOL News he would issue the retraction but stood by the assertion that the storage of the firearms was illegal. This follows explosive allegations made on Sunday by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Mchunu and Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of links to drug cartels, corruption, and bribery. Mkhwanazi also alleged connections between Mchunu and Matlala, who faces murder and corruption accusations. Earlier on Wednesday, Mchunu denied any links to Matlala, who is alleged to be an underworld criminal kingpin. The minister's spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said Wednesday that Mchunu has never communicated with Matlala or received anything from him. 'In response to the recent allegations made by provincial commissioner Mkhwanazi, and while respecting the president's call for calm, the Minister of Police, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, feels it is important to clarify the following: "The minister has never met Mr. Matlala, has never spoken to him, nor has he ever requested or received anything from him,' Kamogelo Mogotsi said. However, Mogotsi said Mchunu initiated a review of the SAPS tender awarded to Brian Mogotsi after suspicions of possible wrongdoing surfaced. 'It was the same tender which has since been terminated,' he added. 'Furthermore, while the minister knows and has met Mr. Brown Mogotsi, he is just a comrade and not an associate of the minister.' IOL Politics
Globe and Mail
19-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
CIRA's Internet Performance Test turns 10 with new features and insights on Canada's digital divide
OTTAWA, Ontario, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CIRA is proud to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its Internet Performance Test (IPT), marking a significant milestone in the journey towards building a more equitable and accessible internet across Canada. Since the first test was captured in the spring of 2015, Canadians have run over 1.7 million tests, leveraging the tool and its crowd-sourced approach to better understand their connection. The platform allows local governments, advocates and researchers to track national progress toward closing the digital divide. Over the years, the data collected through IPT has provided insight into how the internet is evolving across Canada. In its inaugural year, the national median download speed was just over 11 Mbps, with an upload speed of 2.4 Mbps. Fast forward to last year, the national median speeds soared to 92 Mbps download and 27 Mbps upload, showcasing incredible progress. This milestone coincides with the launch of new CRTC hearings that will investigate how to improve the shopping experience for consumers to ensure they get the speed and quality they pay for. Key insights A noticeable inflection point after 2019 suggests that increased government and private investments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic—and its consequences on the online lives of Canadians—have significantly impacted connectivity. While rural speeds have improved substantially, the gap between rural and urban connectivity remains largely unchanged. Regional disparities persist, with New Brunswick enjoying relatively fast speeds, while the Prairies continue to lag behind. The far North, particularly the territories, shows the lowest connectivity levels, with median speeds well below half the national average. Latency—a critical quality metric that can lead to noticeable delays in online activities such as video calls, streaming and other real-time applications—highlights the challenges faced by networks covering vast territories. Areas such as Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan exhibit the highest latency levels, indicating the need for continued investment in underserved regions. Executive quote 'Ten years of the IPT marks a major milestone in Canada's connectivity journey. Thanks to community partnerships, we've built a powerful tool for change, but the digital divide persists. More than ever, we must keep investing, collaborating and pushing forward to ensure fast, reliable internet is a reality for everyone, no matter where they live.' — Charles Noir, Vice-president, Community Investment, Policy & Advocacy, CIRA New features To mark this anniversary, CIRA is rolling out a series of powerful new features designed to enhance user experience and deliver even deeper insights: Autotesting capability: the IPT can now run automated tests at regular intervals over hours or days. Logged-in users can track how their connection performs throughout the day. New speed categories: newly added categories highlight areas with exceptional service and ultra-fast connections. Basemap selection: in addition to the default street map, users can now switch to satellite imagery for added geographic context. Upload speed visualization: the Internet Performance Map now displays both download and upload speeds, offering a more complete view of internet performance. Expanded dashboard insights: IPT account holders now have access to more detailed metrics and visualizations via updated dashboards. Resources To learn more about the Internet Performance Test's past decade of impact on Canada's digital divide: To run a test and learn more about CIRA's Internet Performance Test, visit: About CIRA CIRA is the national not-for-profit best known for managing the .CA domain on behalf of all Canadians. As a leader in Canada's internet ecosystem, CIRA offers a wide range of products, programs and services designed to make the internet a secure and accessible space for all. CIRA advocates for Canada on both national and international stages to support its goal of building a trusted internet for Canadians by helping shape the future of the internet. About Net Good by CIRA and the Internet Performance Test Net Good by CIRA supports communities, projects and policies that make the internet better for all Canadians including CIRA's Internet Performance Test (IPT). The IPT platform offers advanced and detailed diagnostic data enabling communities, researchers, and decision-makers to better understand and improve internet access in Canada. Each year, CIRA proudly funds its Net Good program from the revenue generated through .CA domains.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CIRA's Internet Performance Test turns 10 with new features and insights on Canada's digital divide
Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) Nearly 1.7 million tests and counting for a data-driven look at Canada's internet evolution OTTAWA, Ontario, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CIRA is proud to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its Internet Performance Test (IPT), marking a significant milestone in the journey towards building a more equitable and accessible internet across Canada. Since the first test was captured in the spring of 2015, Canadians have run over 1.7 million tests, leveraging the tool and its crowd-sourced approach to better understand their connection. The platform allows local governments, advocates and researchers to track national progress toward closing the digital divide. Over the years, the data collected through IPT has provided insight into how the internet is evolving across Canada. In its inaugural year, the national median download speed was just over 11 Mbps, with an upload speed of 2.4 Mbps. Fast forward to last year, the national median speeds soared to 92 Mbps download and 27 Mbps upload, showcasing incredible progress. This milestone coincides with the launch of new CRTC hearings that will investigate how to improve the shopping experience for consumers to ensure they get the speed and quality they pay for. Key insights A noticeable inflection point after 2019 suggests that increased government and private investments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic—and its consequences on the online lives of Canadians—have significantly impacted connectivity. While rural speeds have improved substantially, the gap between rural and urban connectivity remains largely unchanged. Regional disparities persist, with New Brunswick enjoying relatively fast speeds, while the Prairies continue to lag behind. The far North, particularly the territories, shows the lowest connectivity levels, with median speeds well below half the national average. Latency—a critical quality metric that can lead to noticeable delays in online activities such as video calls, streaming and other real-time applications—highlights the challenges faced by networks covering vast territories. Areas such as Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan exhibit the highest latency levels, indicating the need for continued investment in underserved regions. Executive quote 'Ten years of the IPT marks a major milestone in Canada's connectivity journey. Thanks to community partnerships, we've built a powerful tool for change, but the digital divide persists. More than ever, we must keep investing, collaborating and pushing forward to ensure fast, reliable internet is a reality for everyone, no matter where they live.' — Charles Noir, Vice-president, Community Investment, Policy & Advocacy, CIRA
