CIRA supports media and Internet literacy programs for Canadian youth
CIRA supports media and Internet literacy programs for Canadian youth
July 10, 2009 – With increasing accessibility to digital technologies, media and Internet literacy programs are, now more than ever, essential to educating children and youth on how the media works and the impact it may have on their lifestyle choices.
Recognizing the need for such programs, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) is proud to sponsor the Media Awareness Network’s (MNet) highly recognized programs and resources for young Canadians.
“As the Internet becomes more integrated in our daily lives, it is now more important than ever to ensure young people are equipped to make safe decisions when using the Internet,” says Byron Holland, President and CEO of CIRA. “The Media Awareness Network provides an important and necessary service to educators and parents and as the steward of Canada’s domain and Internet space, CIRA is proud to be a sponsor of MNet’s vital programs.”
MNet focuses its efforts on equipping adults with information and tools to help young people develop the critical thinking skills required to understand the extent to which they, as consumers and citizens, are being well informed.
“We are honoured that CIRA recognizes the importance of media literacy in the lives of children and youth,” said Cathy Wing, MNet’s Co-Executive Director. “These funds will help MNet to continue to develop high quality media literacy programs and resources that support the healthy development of young Canadians.”
About CIRA
The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) is the not-for-profit, Canadian corporation recognized by the Government of Canada to manage the dot-ca (.ca) Internet domain for all Canadians. CIRA is responsible for registering all .ca domain names and administering the technical operation of the central, national registry, ensuring a stable, secure and efficient infrastructure that is accessible for all Internet users connecting with .ca domains.
About MNet
Media Awareness Network (MNet) is a Canadian not-for-profit centre of expertise in media literacy. Its vision is to ensure children and youth possess the necessary critical thinking skills and tools to understand and actively engage with media. MNet's programs are funded by its public and private sector sponsors and partners, who include: CTVglobemedia • Canwest • TELUS • Canadian Internet Registration Authority • CTV • National Film Board of Canada • Government of Canada.
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For additional information, contact:
Jennifer Austin
Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing
Phone: 613-237-5335 ext. 296
Email: jennifer.austin@cira.ca
Ann Marie Paquet
Communications Officer
Media Awareness Network
apaquet@media-awareness.ca
613-224-7721, ext. 231