Toronto: Seneca is contributing to the City of Toronto’s response to COVID-19 with two applied research projects focused on helping vulnerable communities access better broadband and government incentives.
The two Seneca projects are among eight resulting from a partnership among the City, Toronto-based postsecondary institutions, the federal and provincial government, and community partners, working collaboratively to assist with COVID-19 response and recovery.
Seneca President David Agnew said: “Faculty and our students have been critical resources during the pandemic, providing creative solutions for economic recovery.”
Seneca’s projects include a partnership with Ryerson University, York University, the University of Toronto and Humber College to identify the challenges associated with digital exclusion of seniors.
The project, funded by the City and RBC Royal Bank, will evaluate who is underserved by digital infrastructure, and what factors limit Internet use.
Seneca’s second research project, in collaboration with Prosper Canada and funded by the City and Mitacs, will build understanding about barriers faced by low-income Torontonians when attempting to file tax returns.