What we fund

CIRA is focused on increasing Canadians’ cybersecurity knowledge and safety from threats. We want more Canadians to know how to protect themselves and feel safe online. We fund research, educational frameworks, tools, consultations and training programs that increase Canadians’ online safety. Projects must focus on preparing Canadians to use the internet safely and confidently, building knowledge and protection against threats like misinformation, online harms, privacy intrusion and surveillance, harassment, cyberbullying and gender-based violence.

• A lab facility for college students in IT to practice detecting and addressing cybersecurity attacks and threats.
• A toolkit for K-12 educators across Canada to address privacy and digital safety risks associated with AI and machine learning experienced by Northern, rural and Indigenous communities.
• Youth-led citizens’ assembly on children’s online safety that will inform Canadian policymakers on how best to protect and empower children online.

CIRA engages, supports and strengthens a vibrant and influential internet community domestically and globally. We seek a legislative and policy environment that favours a trusted internet for Canadians. We fund events, research and policy ecosystem work that broadens public awareness, understanding and engagement in domestic internet policy and governance.

• A digital equity strategy to inform, engage, refine and share policy directions with First Nations leaders to benefit all First Nations people of BC.
• Research report on digital equity and internet affordability across low-income communities in Canada.
• Empowering Indigenous connectivity advocates to directly connect with policy makers through a targeted policy engagement training model.