Equity, Inclusion & Diversity Philanthropy Unconnected: How Can Philanthropy Close The Digital Divide in Canada Published: February 15, 2021 COVID-19 has exposed how absolutely essential an internet connection is to people’s lives, and yet Canada’s digital divide remains stubbornly wide: in rural communities, just four in 10 Canadians have access to high-speed internet. Videos Equity, Inclusion & Diversity Unconnected: How Can Philanthropy Close The Digital Divide in Canada COVID-19 has exposed how absolutely essential an internet connection is to people’s lives, and yet Canada’s digital divide remains stubbornly wide: in rural communities, just four in 10 Canadians have access to high-speed internet. New research tells us the most pressing problem is a lack of funding in Canada for internet-related projects, in terms of absolute dollars, as well as in the breadth and depth of sources. Funders need to recognize that digital equity is essential to advancing economic development, racial justice, and other social good. What role can foundations play to establish a new tradition of digital philanthropy in Canada?