Canadian Internet Registration Authority Joins Media Awareness Network as a Silver Sponsor

June 23, 2009 (Ottawa) – Media Awareness Network (MNet), Canada's leading not-for-profit media literacy organization, is pleased to announce the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) has joined the organization's team of supporters as a Silver Sponsor.

"We are honoured that CIRA recognizes the importance of media literacy in the lives of children and youth," said Cathy Wing, MNet's Co-Executive Director. "These funds will help MNet to continue to develop high quality media literacy programs and resources that support the healthy development of young Canadians."

"As the Internet becomes more integrated in our daily lives, it is now more important than ever to ensure young people are equipped to make safe decisions when using the Internet," says Byron Holland, President and CEO of CIRA. "The Media Awareness Network provides an important and necessary service to educators and parents and as the steward of Canada's domain and Internet space, CIRA is proud to be a sponsor of MNet's vital programs."

"CIRA's support comes at a critical time as there is an increasing demand for resources to help youth get the most out of the digital technologies they depend on for their communications, information and entertainment needs. Parents and educators must ensure that young people have the necessary critical thinking skills to navigate these new forms of media" said Ms. Wing.

MNet focuses its efforts on equipping adults with information and tools to help young people to understand how the media work, how the media may affect their lifestyle choices and the extent to which they, as consumers and citizens, are being well informed.

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Media Awareness Network (MNet) is a Canadian not-for-profit centre of expertise in media literacy. Its vision is to ensure children and youth possess the necessary critical thinking skills and tools to understand and actively engage with media. MNet's programs are funded by its public and private sector sponsors and partners, who include: CTVglobemedia ″ Canwest ″ TELUS ″ Canadian Internet Registration Authority ″ CTV ″ National Film Board of Canada ″ Government of Canada.

The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) is the not-for-profit, Canadian corporation recognized by the Government of Canada to manage the dot-ca (.ca) Internet domain for all Canadians. CIRA is responsible for registering all .ca domain names and administering the technical operation of the central, national registry, ensuring a stable, secure and efficient infrastructure that is accessible for all Internet users connecting with .ca domains.

Contact:

Ann Marie Paquet
Communications Officer
Media Awareness Network
613-224-7721, ext. 231
apaquet@media-awareness.ca