Francophone Tele-learning Pilot Project Initiative - Criteria

INTRODUCTION

The Francophone Tele-Learning Pilot Project Initiative is part of the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages, which aims to promote economic development in Canada’s official language minority communities. In Ontario, this initiative is being administered jointly by Industry Canada’s Ontario Region Office and FedNor.

OBJECTIVE

This initiative aims to enhance the participation of Ontario’s Francophone community in the knowledge-based economy by expanding the availability of tele-learning content and applications. The initiative is designed to be implemented through partnerships that involve colleges and universities that serve the Francophone community, along with other partners such as economic development organizations, not-for-profit corporations and/or the private sector. Projects are expected to increase skills, training and knowledge through leading-edge technologies and services offered through technology.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The purpose of this document is to outline the administration criteria of financial contributions granted within the framework of the Francophone Tele-Learning Pilot Project Initiative.

Proposals should be prepared following each step described below. Project proposals that do not follow this direction will not be considered for funding.

All questions pertaining to the Francophone Tele-Learning Pilot Project Initiative should be addressed to Industry Canada’s Ontario Region Office or to FedNor.

ADMISSIBILITY CRITERIA

1. Eligible Applicants

This initiative is designed to meet the needs of selected Francophone communities in Ontario. Project partners must include at least one Ontario university or college that provides programs for the Francophone community. Other partners could include community economic development corporations, not-for-profit corporations or private sector partners that serve Francophones. Eligible applicants include Ontario colleges, universities and not-for-profit corporations that serve the Francophone community.

2. Eligible Activities:

Eligible activities include incremental activities that foster greater participation of Ontario’s Francophone community in the knowledge economy through pilot projects that expand French web-based content and applications in tele-learning and that will help Francophone businesses and communities to:

• become more skilled;
• make innovative use of information and communications technologies (ICT);
• stimulate online activities and create online services;
• foster competitiveness in the learnware sector (French products and services); or
• otherwise enhance Francophone capacity for economic and business development in the knowledge-based economy (KBE).

Projects should improve access to learning in the post secondary environment (including professional development).

Activities may involve information technology (IT) research and development (technology, software, services); software development, implementation, and support; development of web-based applications (web-portals, e-commerce); or development of GIS applications and technologies.

3. Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include incremental costs that relate to the development and expansion of content and applications for tele-education and tele-training. Only costs that are reasonable, incremental and that relate directly to the eligible project activities will be eligible.

By way of example, this may include costs associated with: establishing e-learning systems; arms-length feasibility studies; consultants/engineering; training and skills development to utilize the applications; web technologies; telecommunication and information system integration; and other costs required to introduce new content and information and communication technology applications in the tele-learning environment. Where necessary to achieve project objectives, capital costs may be eligible.

CONTRIBUTION VALUE

Although assistance is normally repayable, contributions to not-for-profit organizations may be deemed non-repayable unless revenue streams are generated from the project to allow for repayment.

Special consideration may be given to projects involving many communities, the province as a whole, many partners, or that represent a strategic priority. Funding levels are based on the minimum level required to ensure the projects attain objectives and expected results and that the projects proceed in the timing, scope and location proposed. In-kind contributions are not eligible. Total government assistance (federal, provincial and municipal) towards the project costs and stacking of government assistance are also considered in the allocation of funding.

In some cases, multi-year activities may be supported. In such cases, financing for second and subsequent years will remain subject to an annual approval, based on results achieved, on parliamentary approval of funds and the maintenance of current and forecasted government program-related budgetary levels. In all cases, projects must be completed by March 31, 2008.

Please note it is very important that all correct steps are followed when submitting a project proposal.

Click here to learn more about the steps you will need to follow before submitting your proposal.