In a world where the internet powers everything from communication to commerce, being offline comes with significant economic costs. For many Canadians, digital exclusion results in missed opportunities, higher expenses, and reduced access to critical services.
Missed Economic Opportunities:
Without access to the internet, individuals cannot easily apply for jobs, complete online training, or participate in remote work opportunities. This lack of connectivity perpetuates unemployment and underemployment, particularly among marginalized groups.
Hidden Financial Costs:
Digital exclusion often forces individuals to rely on more expensive or less convenient alternatives. For example, paying bills in person, accessing government services offline, or commuting to physical locations for work or education all incur additional costs.
The Wider Impact:
On a broader scale, digital exclusion limits economic growth by reducing workforce productivity and innovation. Businesses also suffer from reduced access to potential customers who remain offline.
Towards Inclusion:
Affordable internet access and digital literacy programs are crucial for addressing these economic disparities. Ensuring all Canadians can go online is not just a social issue—it’s an economic imperative.