A strong digital citizenship relies on diverse and reliable sources of information. To address the increase in online disinformation, we must support independent organizations who dedicate their efforts in educating citizens on how to be more critical of online information.

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, invite Canadians to participate in Media Literacy Week 2020

Minister Guilbeault announced that Canadian Heritage’s Digital Citizen Contribution Program is providing $225,000 over three years to support Media Literacy Week 2020, 2021 and 2022. This longstanding event, created by MediaSmarts, raises awareness of digital and media literacy across Canada.The program provides funding to research- and citizen-focused activities that support democracy as well as social cohesion in the digital world and support efforts to counter online disinformation. MediaSmarts will use Media Literacy Week to encourage Canadians to thinking critically. The event, co ‐ hosted by the Canadian Teachers ’ Federation, will include activities for schools, libraries, education associations and community organizations. These resources will focus on the importance of digital and media literacy in educating young people to think critically.

“I invite Canadians to participate in the activities presented by MediaSmarts this week to highlight the importance of media literacy. We find ourselves in a time when we need to think very carefully about online information. Together, we can develop the skills to navigate online information in a safer and more informed way and reduce the impact of online disinformation on our society. I wish everyone a great Media Literacy Week.”—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage