What is CAP?

CAP is a federal government program to provide Canadians with affordable public access to the Internet and the skills to use it. It piloted in 1994, and was officially launched in 1995.  Approximately 4,000 CAP sites provide Internet access in libraries, community and educational centres, Aboriginal organizations and other public access sites, and they all provide staff to assist people in using computers and the Internet. Access is usually free, but there may be a nominal charge per hour or for each service (e.g., fee for printing or scanning a page). Characteristics of each site vary widely (number of computers, focus for clientele ,etc.).(http://capstats.ocl.net)

Where did CAP come from?

Starting in 1994, Industry Canada started a program called the
Community Access Program (CAP) in an effort to make Canada the leader
in the global "Internet race." Initially, Industry Canada focused on
rural communities, where Internet access was less available.
Libraries, municipal offices and schools could apply for funding to
purchase computers and computer equipment for their places of business
to set up CAP CENTRES. Once the rural communities were equipped with
computers and Internet access, Industry Canada focused on what is
referred to as the "Digital Divide." This divide consists of people
who do not normally have Internet access, i.e. First Nations people,
seniors, second-language citizens, etc. CAP Centres in urban areas
were then opened to help reach these people. (http://capstats.ocl.net)

To find out more you can go to the CAP website at http://capstats.ocl.net.