The CFS program is a partnership-based program that works across the country to provide Canadians the opportunity to access the digital economy. The program supports centres (CFS affiliates), located across the country, to refurbish surplus computers and other digital devices, donated by public and private donors, and provide them to schools, libraries, not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous communities as well as low-income Canadians. The program is helping extend the useful life of devices and therefore reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste. Youth also benefit from paid, practical work internships where they can develop more advanced digital skills.
Since 1993, the CFS program provided over 1.6 million refurbished computers to schools across the country and has given more than 7,000 paid internships to young Canadians to allow them to acquire market-relevant skills. In 2014, CFS expanded its reach and now serves a growing number of not-for-profits, Indigenous communities and vulnerable Canadians. In 2015, the program successfully delivered 7,500 computers to Syrian Refugees and recently committed to deliver 50,000 computers to low-income families via the new Connecting Families Initiative (CFI).
The CFS program is now expanding its refurbished device offerings to include not only desktop computers but laptops, tablets and smartphones. The Technical Work Experience Program has been recently renamed to CFS Intern program (CFSi) and now offers a broader array of digital and soft skills to youth drawn from diverse communities and backgrounds. CFSi remains part of the Youth Employment Strategy.
CFS refurbishment centres are located across Canada and offer these internship opportunities to students and recent graduates from college and university, providing young people with paid, practical on-the-job experience in refurbishment centres across Canada.
Program milestones
Long description
August 1993
Computers for Schools is launched
December 1993
First delivery! A truck with 160 computers leaves Ottawa for the Maritimes
1994
Libraries begin to receive computers
1995
Government of Canada directs all surplus computers to CFS
1995
Technical Work Experience Program is established
1999
CFS celebrates 125,000 computers delivered to schools and libraries
2001
250,000 computers are delivered
2003
Computers for Success Canada (CFSC), a CFS umbrella organization, is established
2003
Not-for-profit learning organizations start receiving computers
2003
330 computers are distributed in urban and northern communities through the Aboriginal Head Start program
2010
1 million computers are delivered
2011
5,000 TWEP internships are completed
2015
Seniors, new Canadians, and low income Canadians begin receiving computers
2017
More than 7,500 computers are delivered to Syrian refugees through #WelcomeRefugees initiative
September 2017
CFS celebrates 1.5 million computers delivered.
Budget 2018
Computers for Schools received ongoing funding.
August 2018
Computers for Schools celebrates 25 years
Source: Computers for Schools statistics
CFS and the environment
CFS is dedicated to preserving the environment. Since 1993, CFS has donated over 1.5 million refurbished computers nationwide.
CFS cooperates with partners across Canada to extend the useful lifespan of federal government and other donors' assets through refurbishment. Extending the life of a computer is the most effective way to reduce its overall impact on the environment. All CFS e-waste is handled by certified recyclers.
Long description
Digital Devices saved from landfills by weight (in Tons (US) by fiscal year)
1,340 tons were reused in 2010-11.
1,404 tons were reused in 2011-12.
1,317 tons were reused in 2012-13.
1,324 tons were reused in 2013-14.
1,103 tons were reused in 2014-15.
695 tons were reused in 2015-16.
809 tons were reused in 2016-17.
750 tons were reused in 2017-18.
*Reduction in tonnage is a reflection of smaller devices