A digital bridge connecting urban and rural Canada, symbolizing digital inclusion.

Bridging the Divide: How Digital Literacy Can Empower Every Canadian

Avery Sinclair in Culture & Society August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the crucial role of digital access and skills in Canada's evolving digital landscape and what it means for you."

In an era where digital technologies increasingly shape our lives, from banking to education, a significant divide persists: the digital divide. This gap separates those who can fully participate in the digital world from those who are left behind due to lack of access, skills, or resources. As Canada moves towards a more digital economy, understanding and addressing this divide is crucial to ensuring that all Canadians have the opportunity to thrive.

The digital divide isn't just about having internet access; it encompasses digital literacy – the ability to use digital technologies effectively. This includes everything from using email and online banking to participating in virtual communities and accessing government services. For many Canadians, particularly those in rural areas, with lower incomes, or among older populations, these skills are not readily available, creating barriers to full participation in modern society.

Recent research using data from the 2020 Canadian Internet Use Survey (CIUS) sheds light on the factors contributing to the digital divide in Canada. This research employs advanced statistical methods to identify the socio-economic and demographic characteristics that determine an individual's level of digital engagement. By understanding these factors, policymakers and community organizations can develop targeted interventions to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion for all Canadians.

Who's on the Other Side? Understanding the Demographics of Digital Exclusion

A digital bridge connecting urban and rural Canada, symbolizing digital inclusion.

The digital divide in Canada isn't uniform; it affects specific groups more acutely than others. Key demographic factors play a significant role in determining an individual's level of digital engagement. CIUS 2020 highlights which segments of the Canadian population are most at risk of being digitally excluded.

One of the most significant disparities exists between urban and rural residents. Despite substantial investments in broadband infrastructure, rural Canadians still lag behind their urban counterparts in internet access and digital skills. This geographical divide underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities.

Age: Older Canadians, particularly those aged 65 and over, are less likely to use the internet and engage with digital technologies. This age-related divide is often compounded by lower incomes and limited educational attainment.
Income: Lower-income Canadians face significant barriers to digital inclusion, including the cost of internet access, devices, and digital skills training. Affordability remains a major challenge for many households.
Education: Individuals with lower levels of education, such as those with a high school diploma or less, are less likely to possess the digital skills needed to navigate the online world effectively.
Language: Language can also be a barrier, particularly for those who are not proficient in English or French. Access to online content and services in diverse languages is essential for promoting digital inclusion among immigrant communities.

These demographic factors often intersect, creating complex challenges for individuals facing multiple disadvantages. For example, older, lower-income individuals in rural areas may experience compounded barriers to digital inclusion, requiring comprehensive and coordinated interventions to address their specific needs.

Empowering Canadians in the Digital Age

Bridging the digital divide requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of digital exclusion and promotes digital inclusion for all Canadians. By investing in infrastructure, skills training, and affordable access, Canada can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in the digital economy and society. The goal is not just connectivity, but empowerment – enabling all Canadians to use digital technologies to improve their lives, connect with others, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2301.07855,

Title: Digital Divide: Empirical Study Of Cius 2020

Subject: econ.em stat.ap

Authors: Joann Jasiak, Peter Mackenzie, Purevdorj Tuvaandorj

Published: 18-01-2023

Everything You Need To Know

What is the digital divide, and why is it important for Canada?

The digital divide refers to the gap separating those who can fully participate in the digital world from those excluded due to a lack of access, skills, or resources. For Canada, understanding and addressing this is crucial as it moves towards a more digital economy. This ensures all Canadians can thrive, particularly in areas like digital finance and access to government services. Addressing the digital divide promotes digital inclusion, meaning everyone has the opportunity to use digital technologies effectively.

How does the digital divide manifest across different demographics in Canada?

The digital divide affects specific groups more acutely. The 2020 Canadian Internet Use Survey (CIUS) highlights that rural residents lag behind urban residents in internet access and digital skills. Older Canadians, particularly those 65 and over, also show lower digital engagement, often compounded by lower incomes and educational attainment. Lower-income Canadians face barriers such as the cost of internet access and digital skills training. Individuals with lower levels of education may lack the digital skills needed. Furthermore, language can also be a barrier, particularly for those who are not proficient in English or French.

What role does digital literacy play in bridging the digital divide?

Digital literacy is a crucial component in bridging the digital divide. It's the ability to use digital technologies effectively, including email, online banking, and accessing government services. Without digital literacy, individuals cannot fully participate in the digital world. It's not just about having internet access; it's about possessing the skills to navigate and utilize digital tools and platforms. Targeted interventions that promote digital skills training are, therefore, essential in bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion.

What are the key challenges faced by rural Canadians regarding digital inclusion?

Rural Canadians face significant challenges in digital inclusion, even with investments in broadband infrastructure. They lag behind urban counterparts in internet access and digital skills. These challenges include limited broadband availability, higher costs for internet services, and a lack of digital skills training opportunities. These factors contribute to digital exclusion, hindering their ability to fully participate in the digital economy and access essential services. Addressing this geographical divide requires targeted interventions to meet the unique needs of rural communities.

What measures can Canada take to empower all Canadians in the digital age?

Bridging the digital divide requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, is crucial to ensure access. Providing digital skills training is also essential, focusing on groups at risk of exclusion such as older adults, lower-income individuals, and those with lower levels of education. Making internet access and devices more affordable is another critical measure. The ultimate goal is not just connectivity, but empowerment, enabling all Canadians to use digital technologies to improve their lives, connect with others, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. This requires coordinated efforts from policymakers and community organizations.