Justin Trudeau wants Canada to lead the way in digital technology and he’s starting by supporting the coding movement that’s currently sweeping the nation.
December 5th saw the launch of both the 2016 Computer Science Education week and the Canadian launch of the international coding campaign, Hour of Code. Melissa Sariffodeen, co-founder of Canada Learning Code and CEO of Ladies Learning Code was joined by Hadi Partovi of Code.org to celebrate the event.
During Computer Science Education Week, students around the world are encouraged to do an “Hour of Code,” to prove that anyone can learn the basics. To date, over 100 million students, speaking over 45 languages, from more than 180 countries have tried an Hour of Code.
“In the 21st century, computer science is just as important to a well-rounded education as chemistry, biology, or physics,” says Hadi Partovi, CEO of Code.org and creator of the Hour of Code campaign, in a statement.
“Computer science will play an essential role in our children’s future, regardless of what career they pursue or what country they live in. This global campaign has engaged 100 million students, and we’re delighted to kick it off in Canada with the Prime Minister.”
Canada Learning Code is the official launch partner of Hour of Code. Since launching on Oct. 6, 2016, Canada Learning Code has committed to bringing code to over 10 million Canadians by the year 2027.
“We are a nation of diverse, creative, talented individuals with endless potential for innovation, but without access to the coding education that will help us tap into that potential, we risk stagnating as a nation,” said Sariffodeen in a statement.
“I’m thrilled to know that Canadian youth will be able to take advantage of the wonderful Hour of Code program, and I’m encouraged to see our Prime Minister taking such an active interest in computer science education,” she continued.
Prime Minister Trudeau has often stated his interest in Canada’s technology and innovation sectors, and this past year dedicated $900 million to boost local innovation and funding Canadian startups.
Since then, Trudeau has taken meetings with several large tech firms, has supported the development of autonomous cars in Canada and continues to be an active user on social media.
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