The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) was created over 20 years ago to administer Canada’s national top-level domain: .CA. Individuals and organisations of all shapes and sizes can showcase their Canadian presence and support of Canadian values by using .CA domain names instead of (or in addition to) .COM, .ORG, or other top-level domains. There are more than 2.7M registered .CA domain names. Using .CA domain names also helps create a better Online Canada through CIRA’s many initiatives that build programs, products, and services that leverage all the Internet has to offer to help build a better online Canada, while providing a safe, secure, and trusted online experience to all Canadians.
The Community Investment Program (CIP), an annual grant fund awarded by CIRA, has awarded more than 130 grants focused on improving Canadian internet infrastructure, online access, and digital literacy. In May 2019, CIRA awarded $1.25M towards these goals. This year’s recipients included a program for internet access and digital literacy development for the homeless through the Orillia Christian Centre; a live chat counselling service for youth through the HandsTheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca; illustrated children’s stories on online privacy protection and cyber-bullying; a community wireless network in the Mamawapowin community of the Samson Cree First Nation; an oral history digital portal exploring the history of Jewish life in Western Canada; and many others. These programs span Canadian geography and cultures, bringing together people of all walks of life locally in their communities and in cyberspace.
CIRA’s goal is also to mirror self-proclaimed Canadian values online, where we are recognized as world leaders in technology, security, accessibility, and open participation best practices. Many other countries follow Canada’s lead when developing their national internet policies. CIRA stands for the principles of a free and just society, as enshrined in the Canadian constitution, and puts them to practice in cyberspace. It advocates for maintaining an open, accessible, diverse internet that is not controlled by a single country or political interest. Canada’s multicultural approach to our society mirrors well to the online world where CIRA advocates for the best interests of Canadians on the international stage.
CIRA is a not-for-profit, grassroots, member-driven organisation that works in collaboration with the Canadian Federal Government and technology industry partners to manage .CA domains, shape Canadian internet policy, and champion the Internet at home and abroad. Anyone who has registered a .CA domain name for their personal, business, or organisational website can become a member for free and participate in in-person and virtual meetups, discussions, policy development, networking events, business development, knowledge sharing, and elections to bring Canada’s internet community together and to help shape the future of an Online Canada.
Register your membership today to become a part of Canada’s 15,000+ member internet community and have your say! Visit https://cira.ca/membership to learn more.