Having internet access is proving to be a costly addition for many low-income families and ACORN Canada, a charitable organization is urging the federal government to act.

It presented a report called “digital equity” which it says should become a federal priority.

In the report, “Barriers to Digital Equity in Canada,” ACORN Canada says Canadians need online access to apply for jobs, complete schoolwork, download government forms, pay bills and connect with family and friends, and it argues that internet access has become a basic human right.

Tabitha Naismith often forgoes buying herself a much-needed pair of shoes or a new bra in order to pay the $95 a month it takes to keep the internet on at the social-housing unit she shares with her two young girls in the Newton neighbourhood of Surrey, B.C.

The single mother says she recently switched telecom providers and is now saving $35 each month from what she used to pay, but these fees still make up a tenth of the $997 in monthly disability assistance she and her small family live on. Still, the sacrifices are worth it, she says, especially with her eldest daughter about to enter Grade 2.

"I go online to show her educational videos, help her with her math skills, help her with her reading and research when she has questions like, ‘Mom, what’s this?’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t know!’” Ms. Naismith said. “A lot of people say the internet is a luxury; it’s actually a basic human right as far as I’m concerned.”

Le coût d’accès à Internet au Canada est devenu tellement élevé que certaines familles ne peuvent plus suivre, selon l’organisation nationale ACORN.

ACORN Canada, qui défend les droits des familles qui ont des revenus peu élevés ou moyens, a publié un rapport mardi faisant état de l’accès à Internet au pays, et appelant le gouvernement fédéral à agir.

ACORN Canada wants “digital equity” from federal government

A group is claiming low-income families in the country are suffering because of the high cost of internet. According to the CBC, ACORN Canada wants “digital equity” to be a federal priority. The group says the internet is an essential service, so the government is obligated to provide affordable, fast and reliable access for everyone in the country.

The high cost of internet access in Canada is leaving low-income families behind, says a national organization that is calling on the federal government to act.

ACORN Canada, a charitable organization that advocates for low- to moderate-income families, is set to release a report on Tuesday that says "digital equity" must become a federal priority.