GEO FORUM 2024 is a free, virtual conference that took place on October 9, 2024, focusing on Digital Inclusion in Nova Scotia – making sure everyone has the access, tools, and skills to be online.
Hosted by GEO Nova Scotia, this event was all about bringing together people from government, industry, and community to talk about how we are closing the digital divide, together.
The forum featured opening remarks from Colton Leblanc, Minister of Cyber-Security and Digital Solutions, and a plenary session with an all-Scottish panel including the founders of the Mhor Collective who deliver Digital Champions programming across the country, and representatives from the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organizations (SCVO), which is responsible for a number of innovative digital inclusion initiatives like Connecting Scotland and Connecting to Care.
Spotlight sessions with Community Services Minister Brendan Maguire and Labour, Skills and Immigration Minister Jill Balser explored how digital inclusion is impacting government programs and services.
The day included breakout sessions on important topics like education, mental health, seniors, and gender-based violence. Attendees also participated in a Digital Champions training session to gain tips, tools, and insights into helping others gain digital skills.
AGENDA
You can click the sessions below to watch the recordings on our YouTube Channel.
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Opening Session (plenary)
- Welcome + Opening Remarks from Honorable Colton Leblanc, Minister of Cyber-Security and Digital Solutions
- Featured Panel Discussion: “Digital Inclusion in Scotland”
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Break
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Breakout Sessions Round 1
- Spotlight: Digital Inclusion and Community Services
- Digital Inclusion and Mental Health Panel
- Digital Inclusion and Seniors Panel
- Digital Champions Training
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Breakout Sessions Round 2
- Spotlight: Digital Inclusion and Labour, Skills and Immigration with Minister Jill Balser
- Digital Inclusion and Disability Panel
- Digital Inclusion and Homelessness Panel
- Digital Champions Training
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Break
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Breakout Sessions Round 3
- Digital Inclusion and Education Panel
- Digital Inclusion and Gender-Based Violence Panel
- Digital Inclusion in Nova Scotia: What does the data tell us?
- Digital Champions for Newcomers Training
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Closing Session (plenary)
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
NS Department of Cyber-Security and Digital Solutions
Partnering Sponsors
NS Department of Community Services
NS Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration
Contributing Sponsor
Door Prizes
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