The need didn't go away. The funding did.
In March 2026, the federal CFS+ program was eliminated, cutting device supply and internship funding.

What Happend
Through fall 2025, CFS+ affiliates across the country, were given indication that program continuation was expected.
On January 29, 2026, the program's termination was communicated in a single paragraph to affiliates across the country.
Roughly two months later, the program ended on March 31, 2026.
The most recent formal evaluation of the program, in 2023, had found it was still needed.

What The Program Was
For over 30 years, Computers for Schools Manitoba partnered with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) under the federal CFS+ program to refurbish government devices for communities in need while providing paid IT internships and operational support to youth.

Pricing
With federal support, we were able to offer a free device tier. Without it, we can't and that cost now falls to the people least able to pay it.

The day after CFS+ funding ended, our lowest-cost device also increased on average 20%.
The need for that device didn't change, our ability to properly support our community did.

The bigger picture
This represents roughly $600,000 in annual funding lost coupled with lost access to devices.

Content here

Media Coverage

CBC Manitoba - Back To School shopping harder this year (Article)

CBC Manitoba - Rising tech prices help drive up back to school costs (Video)

CBC Manitoba - Affordable tech for Manitoba students (Radio)

CBC Saskatchewan - Federal cut ends free computers (Radio)

Global Saskatchewan - Federal cuts end free computers (Video)

Reports & Evaluations

ISED - Evaluation of Computers for Schools Plus Program