The Information Highway Applications Branch (IHAB) offers a suite of programs and services designed to bridge Canada’s digital divide. It helps schools, libraries, towns, cities, rural and remote communities access and use the Internet for social and economic development. IHAB is best known for flagship initiatives such as SchoolNet, the Community Access Program, and Broadband for Rural and Northern Development. Along with partners and other departments, IHAB has also supported the use of the Internet by other clients, including volunteer organizations, the elderly, language minority communities, and First Nations communities. The Web-4-All initiative, led by IHAB and supported by Government On-Line and other partners, is helping facilitate public access to the Internet for citizens with disabilities.

What’s available online for clients?

Information Services:

Information on programs and services;
Interactive tools;
Online learning content and resources;
Policy research and publications; and
Integrated data on the application of information and communication technologies to achieve national and local objectives.

Transaction Services:

Online program applications and status monitoring;
Online submission of projects and reports; and
Online maintenance of content published to IHAB web sites by partners.

Clients and benefits of online service

Clients:

Individual Canadians;
Communities;
Rural and northern communities;
Minority language communities;
Schools, school boards, and libraries;
Volunteer organizations; and
Community economic development organizations.

Benefits

Faster access to program information;
Simplified interaction with programs;
Better information about programs; and
Easy access to valuable research, information, and publications.

Our journey to success

The Information Highway Applications Branch continues to lead Canadians in the use of the Information Highway by providing interactive resources and ensuring easier and simpler access to program information.