News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--LEADING THE WAY WITH TECHNOLOGY RECYCLING
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The Nova Scotia Technology Recycling Program has delivered 2,500
computers, 700 printers and 3,000 pieces of software to schools
and libraries since 1994, making the province the Canadian leader
in providing recycled computers to schools and libraries.
"Technology recycling is allowing us to get more computers into
our classrooms," Robbie Harrison, minister of education and
culture, told a gathering in Halifax today. "At the heart of this
success is the dedication and commitment of many groups and
individuals to ensure we have the resources to make Nova Scotia
the leader in technology recycling."
The event was an opportunity for Mr. Harrison to thank the many
groups and individuals who have contributed to the success of the
Technology Recycling Program.
The main partners are Industry Canada, the Department of
Education and Culture, the Nova Scotia School Boards Association,
Nova Scotia Teachers Union, Nova Scotia Federation of Home and
School Associations, the Telephone Pioneers, and NovaKnowledge.
Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism funds NovaKnowledge
initiatives through the Canada/Nova Scotia Economic
Diversification Agreement.
The provincial and federal governments also donate surplus
computers to the project. As well, many private companies and
individuals from across the province have been important
partners.
Nova Scotia's leadership in technology recycling is recognized
across Canada. In 1996, the Technology Recycling Program received
the Computers for Schools Innovation Award for its work in making
40 laptop computers available to children at the IWK Hospital.
These children are able to keep in touch with teachers and
classmates and complete school work through the Internet while
they are recuperating.
Other partnerships are expanding on the success of the program. A
recently announced partnership with New Deal Inc. of Boston
allows for a complete software package to be installed on every
recycled computer. This gives each computer "Window-like"
capabilities and provides wordprocessing, spreadsheet, database
and communications programs.
Post-secondary students will also benefit from new and expanding
partnerships. In co-operation with Industry Canada and
NovaKnowledge, a minimum of 22 information technology graduates
will gain hands-on training in updating recycled computers each
year. This will allow the students to gain workplace experience
in their field.
To accommodate the increased workload, three new workshops will
open in Sydney, Port Hawkesbury and Truro. This will double the
capacity to repair and recycle computers and provide students
with opportunities to develop their new skills.
"These initiatives reaffirm Nova Scotia's commitment to remaining
the Canadian leader in the Computers for Schools Program," said
Mr. Harrison. "All our partners should be extremely proud of
their accomplishments and we look forward to the continuing
success of the program."
For their work and commitment to the Technology Recycling
Program, certificates of appreciation were presented to the
following organizations and individuals: Maritime Tel and Tel;
Industry Canada; Serge Nadeau, president of All Cities North
American Van Lines; Bernie Hart, chair of Technology Recycling
Program Steering Committee; and volunteers Kevin Scanlan, Jim
Comeau and Marc Serroul.
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Contact: Catherine MacIsaac
Education and Culture
902-424-2795
trp June 4, 1997 - 11:15 a.m.
