This Blog provides useful information about broadband and high speed internet and related issues in Muskoka. Bringing broadband (high speed) to unserved areas in Muskoka is one of MCN's main goals. You will also find information about training, education, and awareness on technology for Muskoka area businesses and residents. Additionally Muskoka Community Network can provide information on how to use broadband (high speed) to maximize business efficiency.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Where Do I Get Rid Of My Old Cell Phone? GO GREEN!
Like many electronics, cell phones have electronics, circuitry and batteries. Where do you get rid of your old cell phone in an environmentally responsible way? RecycleMyCell.ca that's were.
Thanks to the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, you can mail your old cell phone using a pre-paid shipping envelope (i.e. no cost to you), or you can drop off your cell phone at one of the many collection depots. There are several in Muskoka. Just put in your postal code, and you can find a recycle depot near you.
For a complete list of depots, or to find out how to get a prepaid shipping label visit RecycleMyCell.ca
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Monday, October 26, 2009
Get Hands On E-Business Coaching in Muskoka
For complete information on this opportunity visit the Muskoka Enterprise Centre website
Important: Register before October 28th, 2009
More on the E-Business Learning Series in Muskoka:
E-Business is the use of Internet technology to strengthen your business. The E-Business learning series helps demonstrate that not all e-business activities have to be complex or costly to achieve benefits. Small Businesses that are new to the world of E-business will find information and tools that will help them get started.
Course Outline and Topics:
E-Business - Getting Started
- Find competitive information on-line
- Learn about free software
- Learn how to protect your business with privacy, security and legal issues
- Learn how to work with web developers
- Creating or enhance your web presence
- Defining e-business
- Are you ready for E-Business?
- Purchasing and selling on-line
- On-line display advertising
- Search engine optimization
- Internet auctions and virtual malls
- Social networking
- Customer Relationship Management
- E-exporting
E-Business & Your Current Systems
- Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP)
- Integrating back-end systems with E-business
- Customer relationship management
Morning or Afternoon!
Morning E-Business Learning Series
Time: 9:00a.m.-12:30p.m. November 3rd, 4th, 10th, 12th, 16th, 19th, 2009
Location: Bracebridge Town Office, 1000 Taylor Court, Bracebridge
Afternoon E-Business Learning Series
Time: 1:00p.m.-4:30p.m. November 3rd, 4th, 10th, 12th, 16th, 19th, 2009
Location: Bracebridge Town Office, 1000 Taylor Court, Bracebridge
Registration Required! IMPORTANT- Register Before October 28th, 2009!
Course Fee $75.00 per person (or $25.00 per half day session*)
* Email MSBC for a break down of individual half day sessions!
Ways to Register:
Email: email your completed Registration Form to info@muskokasmallbusiness.ca
Phone: Contact Melissa Stoneman, Events Coordinator # 705-646-9021 to register
Fax your completed Registration Form to #705-645-1262
Space is limited, register today to reserve your spot in the course! IMPORTANT!- Register Before October 28th, 2009
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Thursday, October 22, 2009
CRTC requires ISPs to be more transparent about their Internet traffic management practices.
News release
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today introduced a new framework to guide Internet service providers (ISPs) in their use of Internet traffic management practices. The Commission is also requiring ISPs to inform consumers of their practices, which will help them to make more informed decisions about the Internet services they purchase and use.
"Canada is the first country to develop and implement a comprehensive approach to Internet traffic management practices," said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. "The centrepiece of our approach is a framework of analysis that will be employed to determine whether economic and technical practices are acceptable."
"More and more, the Internet is serving as the backbone for communication, commerce, governance, health, education and entertainment. Our framework will foster an environment where ISPs, application providers and users have the utmost freedom to innovate," added Mr. von Finckenstein.
ISPs will be required to inform retail customers at least 30 days, and wholesale customers at least 60 days, before an Internet traffic management practice takes effect. At that time, ISPs will need to describe how the practice will affect their customers' service.
To meet the changing needs of Internet users, the Commission encourages ISPs to make investments to increase network capacity as much as possible. However, the Commission realizes that ISPs may need other measures to manage the traffic on their networks at certain times.
Whenever possible, ISPs should give preference to Internet traffic management practices based on economic measures. These practices are the most transparent as they are clearly identified on monthly bills. With this information, consumers can compare between different Internet services and match their bandwidth needs with the amount they are willing to pay.
Technical means to manage traffic, such as traffic shaping, should only be employed as a last resort.
The Commission has also adopted special rules for ISPs that provide services on a wholesale basis to their competitors. These are necessary to ensure that ISPs do not use Internet traffic management practices to cause competitive harm to their wholesale customers. For both the retail and wholesale markets, the Commission will use its new framework to review practices that raise concerns or generate complaints.
Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2009-657
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2009/2009-657.htm
Reference documents:
News release, "CRTC opens online consultation on Internet traffic management practices," March 31, 2009 http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/news/releases/2009/r090331.htm
News release, "CRTC denies CAIP application, but will examine Internet traffic management practices," November 20, 2008 http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/NEWS/releases/2008/r081120.htm
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Backgrounder on the CRTC's framework for Internet traffic management practices
A growing number of Canadians are using the Internet for all sorts of purposes, whether they are furthering their education, creating innovative applications or starting businesses. In Canada, Internet traffic grew at an average rate of 43 per cent every year between 2005 and 2008. Internet service providers (ISPs) must sometimes manage the flow of data on their networks to prevent or respond to congestion, and to ensure that all users receive an acceptable Internet service. ISPs can employ a range of economic and technical tools to manage Internet traffic.
Key definitions
a) Economic Internet traffic management practices
ISPs can choose to manage traffic through economic measures. This means that they could charge consumers rates based on how much bandwidth they use each month, or offer discounts during off-peak hours. These practices allow consumers to make informed decisions based on how much bandwidth they want or need, and what they are willing to pay.
b) Technical Internet traffic management practices
ISPs can also use technical measures to manage traffic. These could include slowing down or prioritizing certain types of Web traffic (known as traffic shaping), as well as limiting the bandwidth of heavy users.
c) Retail Internet services
ISPs offer these services, which provide access to the Internet, directly to customers. Internet traffic management practices can affect the performance of a user's Internet services.
d) Wholesale Internet services
Many ISPs purchase bandwidth from telephone or cable companies to provide Internet services to customers. Certain traffic management practices, when applied to wholesale services, can prevent ISPs from offering distinctive services.
CRTC framework
The Commission has established a set of criteria to determine whether an Internet traffic management practice is acceptable. In the Commission's view, a practice should only be implemented if:
- it is designed to address a valid purpose, such as preventing congestion on an Internet network
- it is as narrowly tailored as possible to achieve the desired result, using the least restrictive means
- it causes as little harm as possible to the customer, application provider or the ISP that is a wholesale customer, and
- network investments or economic approaches would not effectively achieve the same purpose.
Consumer notification and privacy
If an ISP adopts a technical measure to manage traffic, such as traffic shaping, it must inform its customers in advance. This information must be displayed clearly and prominently on its website, and must describe:
- why it is being introduced
- who will be affected
- when it will occur
- what type of Internet traffic is subject to the management practice,
and - how it will affect a user's Internet experience, including the specific impact on speeds.
Furthermore, the Commission has established privacy provisions for ISPs that provide retail Internet services. Certain technologies associated with Internet traffic management practices can collect and use personal information without the knowledge or consent of consumers. As an added protection for consumers, the Commission has directed ISPs not to disclose this information or use it for any other purpose.
ISP actions affecting content
According to the Telecommunications Act, a telecommunications company must obtain the Commission's prior approval to "control the content or influence the meaning or purpose of telecommunications" carried over its network. The Commission does not consider such disruptive actions to be proper Internet traffic management practices, and they will always require prior approval.
An ISP would therefore need to seek the Commission's approval before it implemented a practice that would:
- block the delivery of content to an end-user, or
- slow down time-sensitive traffic, such as videoconferencing or Internet telephone (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, to the extent that the content is degraded.
When faced with these requests, the Commission will only grant its approval in the most exceptional cases.
Mobile wireless servicesThe Commission intends to review, at a future date, the regulatory measures that apply to wireless service providers and their use of Internet traffic management practices. In recent years, mobile wireless services have been the fastest growing component of the telecommunications industry. The number of subscribers in Canada has nearly doubled from 11.3 million in 2003 to 22.1 million in 2008. Traffic on mobile networks has also been rising as more consumers access the Internet through smartphones and other multimedia devices. Capacity on wireless networks is currently more limited than on other types of networks and an increase in traffic is likely to lead to congestion.
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at www.mcnet.caTuesday, October 20, 2009
YWCA Muskoka Youth Intern Posting
Intern, Youth Eco-Internship Program __________________________________________________________
Terms: This position is a nine month contract internship placement under the Youth Eco Internship Project and funded through YWCA Canada.
Reports to: Beth Ward, Executive Director
Rate of pay: $12/hr Hours: November 2009 – July 2010, 35 hours/week
This position will research and assess the technological needs of YWCA Muskoka providing recommendations on how to green the organization. This includes the use of technology to support virtual meetings; using internet and intranet applications for information sharing best practices; upgrading the website and training staff in the use of new systems. This position will address environmental protection with a focus on improving waste management; human and environmental health and safety; reducing travel; and environmental sustainability through education and communications.
• Assess current technology equipment and capacity
• Research organizational communications to support a virtual staffing model
• Develop educational sessions on internet safety and environment stewardship for youth programs (boys & girls ages 9 – 18) and adult employment programs
• Improve existing website design and function
• Examine opportunities for social networking to enhance programs and membership services
• Assist in the creation of a budget and implementation plan for technology upgrades
• Complete a final report
• Access community partnerships and resources as required
• Participate in staff meetings, training and strategic planning sessions as required
• 18 – 30 years old. Some post-secondary education an asset
• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills
• A well developed interest or educational background in current technology
• An interest or educational background in environmental studies
• An interest in making a difference in the lives of youth and women in Muskoka
Beth Ward, Executive Director
YWCA Muskoka,
440 Ecclestone Drive, Bracebridge, ON, P1L 1Z6
Email: ed@ywcamuskoka.com
Fax: 705-645-4804
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www.mcnet.ca
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Get Help for E-Business
Broadband for E-Business and Marketing (BEAM)
About BEAM
Eligibility
Application Form
Local Web Developers
For More Information
The utilization of broadband by Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) is as important as broadband access itself. To fully leverage the economic benefit of broadband access, SME’s must not only use broadband, they must transform their businesses.
Muskoka Community Network (MCN) will assist SME's with the transitioning to E-Business and implementing E-Business tools by either establishing your business on the web or by adding E-Business tools to your current website. MCN will provide a financial contribution to implement E-Business tools.
BEAM is a program that assists SME's to adopt and adapt to E-Business by defining goals and measuring outcomes of E-Business implementation, and metrics to measure the success of deliverables in an easily understandable fashion.
BEAM is designed to assist SME's so that they can easily manage implementing E-Business technology into their business, while leaving the technical development to their chosen developer.
Eligible applicants may receive up to 75% of the supported costs of development, to a maximum of $2000. Supported costs include the design, development, and implementation costs of a BEAM component. This program is available for a limited time and you may apply for assistance while funds last.
Information for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
Interested in taking the first steps towards E-Business but not sure where to begin? MCN's BEAM program is a great place to start.
High-speed internet access allows SME’s to engage in today’s digital economy. However, more than a broadband connection is required to be fully involved in E-Business. Most SME’s today can benefit from many of the digital tools and techniques that are available to conduct business in the online world. These digital tools are more involved than having a website or using e-mail. Online E-Business tools include components such as E-commerce, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Optimization, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Product fulfillment, Business to Business (B2B) Transactions, and Analytics.
MCN works with SME's to provide assistance for implementing E-Business tools and techniques. Many SME’s understand the importance of E-Business and still require assistance with the knowledge required for implementation.
- Businesses operating on a full-time basis, with a minimum annual sales of $35,000, are eligible.
- Seasonal businesses, such as tourism operations, are also considered eligible.
- Non-profit organizations may also apply for assistance.
- For the purposes of this program, contributions will only be provided to qualifying SME's within Northern Ontario.
Download the Application Form in Adobe Acrobat format. This file contains both the BEAM application form and the MCN Disclosure and Release Form.
For more information
440 Ecclestone Dr. Unit C4
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1Z6
(705) 646.9044
For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Muskoka Gets Broadband in 4 More Areas
REMOTE AREAS OF BRACEBRIDGE, HUNTSVILLE AND GEORGIAN BAY BEGIN ENJOYING FASTER, MORE RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME
MUSKOKA, Ontario ─ October 9, 2009 ─ Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is pleased to announce that high speed internet has arrived for the first time in the remote areas of:
· Springdale Park, Bracebridge
· Minors Bay, Township of Georgian Bay
· South Bay, Township of Georgian Bay
· Brunel Road, Near Whitehouse Road, Huntsville
“Downloading and sending large documents took an incredible amount of time,” said Bill Cowan a resident of Whitehouse Road. “The arrival of high speed in my neighborhood has made everything much easier.”
MCN is working to bring broadband to approximately 15 more areas of Muskoka.
Service is presently being expanded in the Townships of Lake of Bays and Georgian Bay, as well as the Towns of Huntsville, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. Please check http://www.mcnet.ca/projects/broadsched/ for more information.
Connected to Date
To date, Muskoka Community Network has successfully coordinated the arrival of high speed internet in 28 previously unserviced locations, including the first nation community of Moose Deer Point.
Within Bracebridge:
Clear Lake; Portions of Falkenburg Station; Springdale Park; Stephenson Road 1 near Highway 11; Outlying areas of Taylor Road
Within the Township of Georgian Bay:
Baxter; South of the town of Mactier; West of the town of Mactier; Minors Bay; South Bay
Within Gravenhurst:
Barkaway; West Gravenhurst; Housey Rapids; Port Stanton; Ryde
Within Huntsville
Brunel Road – near Whitehouse road; Clearwater Lake Road (Port Sydney); Deer Lake Road (North); Lake Waseosa; Lancelot; Madill Church – just south of Huntsville
Within Lake of Bays:
Bella Lake; Blue Lake; Parts of Camp Lake; Hillside; Tasso Lake; Toad Lake
Within First Nations Communities:
Moose Deer Point
This newly established wireless broadband coverage is expected to reach 80 per cent of the unserved population within these areas. Coverage will continue to improve as more towers come online.
Residents within these communities, or areas, who would like to determine if they are eligible for high speed wireless on this network, can contact a Core Broadband reseller. To find a Core Broadband reseller visit www.corebroadband.ca and click on ISP’S (internet service providers).
Residents can also find a complete list of ISP’s IN MUSKOKA by visiting http://www.mcnet.ca/servicedirectory/ISP/
Making the Most of High Speed
While the majority of people use high speed for e-mail and browsing the web, there are many more applications available.
To help Muskokans learn about these possibilities MCN provides classroom style workshops for businesses, organizations and individuals who want to grow their tech capacity. Topics include Planning Your Website, How to Profit from E-Business and Technology Management.
MCN also provides online training through its virtual training centre. There are over 450 titles to choose from, including word processing, accounting, spreadsheets and even graphic design. Subscribers including businesses, government and individual residents are currently learning in this environment. All you need is a high speed internet connection and a desire to learn. These online courses are FREE to Muskokans
Still on Dial Up?
Residents without high speed internet service are asked to let MCN know precisely where they are. Individuals can do so by dialing 705-646-9044, or by completing the “I Need Broadband” form located online at www.mcnet.ca.
For businesses unable to get high speed through existing means, MCN offers financial assistance to establish a satellite broadband connection. Through MCNs Satellite Internet Remote Areas (SIRA) program, qualifying businesses may receive up to 75 per cent of the supported costs of equipment and installation (up to $1000)
About FedNor
FedNor is a federal regional development organization in Ontario that works with a variety of partners, as both a facilitator and catalyst, to help create an environment in which communities can thrive, businesses can grow and people can prosper.
To date, MCN has secured 2.5 million dollars in public funding from FedNor. 1.7 million dollars was secured for broadband alone. Additional funding has been allocated towards improving online communications for our communities, and providing training on how best to leverage online opportunities.
About Muskoka Community Network
Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to facilitating the implementation of telecommunications solutions for the regions of Muskoka and Almaguin, by working with and forming partnerships with both the public and private sectors.
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For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Rob McPhee
Muskoka Community Network
705-646-9044
http://www.mcnet.ca
rob.mcphee@mcnet.ca
OR
Alison Withey
Blue Whale Communications Inc.
705-788-0080
alison@bluewhalecommunications.com
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians Launches its Call-for-Applications Process
The program will consider applications (Read More)
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/04943.html
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Friday, August 21, 2009
Wireless Communications and Health
This information will assist people in knowing about the potenial health risks, and what the Government of Canada, does to protect Canadians from excessive RF exposure.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf09591.html
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Intelligent Communities nurtured through Excellence in Governance
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Friday, August 14, 2009
Leadership in Successful Intelligent Communities - Doing the Right Things!
www.mcnet.ca
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
GlobaAlive Aims to Launch WIND as Major Wireless Carrier
For more information on this story visit:
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/08/11/globalive-wind-canada-wireless.html
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Office Manager Required
Office Manager - Bracebridge - Open
MCN requires an Office Manager who will work closely with the Executive Director to meet the goals and objectives of the organization and project delivery.
This position will be exciting, challenging and rewarding for the right candidate. This position requires an individual who has strong skills in office administration.
Passion for technology projects, and dealing with the public will round out the ideal candidate.
Responsibilities include:
Office Administration
Responding to public inquiries
Minimal travel in Muskoka
Support to other staff functions at MCN
Required skills include:
Office Administration
Book keeping
Minute taking
Report development
Excellent time management skills
Written and oral proficiency in English
Proficiency with the Microsoft® Office Suite
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent organizational skills
Preferred skills include:
Knowledge of telecommunications and internet technologies
Knowledge of the Muskoka/Almaguin area
If you can demonstrate that you hold the required and preferred skills and are interested in working on this exciting project please forward your covering letter and resume in Word or PDF format to rob.mcphee@mcnet.ca or fax to (705)-646-9522. Please include your salary expectations with your submission.
The closing date for this competition is: August 21st, 2009 - 4:00pm - Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.
For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at www.mcnet.ca/employment/
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Facebook - Now or Forever?
One of the issues highlighted is the perpetuity of data when a user wants to delete a Facebook account.
This article by ITBusiness.ca provides some details on the nuances of deactivating a Facebook account versus deleting it.
http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=53975
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Monday, July 20, 2009
Do you have an internet connection? Your neighbour may Thank You!
This information will assist Industry Canada to continue to move broadband coverage forward.
Question: I already have broadband. Why would I bother adding myself to the map?
Answer: Gathering comprehensive information on broadband coverage is difficult and the coverage is continually changing. By adding yourself to the map, resources can be properly focused to continue to deploy broadband to the most needed areas.
If you already have broadband you will be assisting in determining where broadband is, and how fast it is. This information also then makes it clear where broadband "is not".
Muskoka Community Network would appreciate it if you take a moment and provide this information to Industry Canada.
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Broadband Canada- Connecting Rural Canadians
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) is also being asked to verify their coverage by July 24th. This exercise is primarily directed at facilities-based ISPs, but re-sellers are also be invited to participate. Through an email invitation, ISPs will be directed to the mapping website ((www.ic.gc.ca/broadbandmaps) and provided with a username and password to access PDF maps that indicate broadband coverage in Canada, and another group of corresponding PDF maps with numbered hexagons. We are asking ISP to send us their coverage information either in MapInfo Pro files, or simply list the hexagon numbers that correspond to their coverage.
More info via the following links (http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/719.nsf/eng/home) and (http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/719.nsf/eng/h_00001.html).
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Industry Canada - Moving Forward the Digital Strategy
The purpose of the forum was to provide a one-day forum to identify the key areas of action necessary for Canada to regain its leadership position in the Digital Economy.
More information on the The Digital Economy Forum can be found here:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ecic-ceac.nsf/eng/h_gv00526.html
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For more information on broadband and how Muskoka is building technology capacity, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at www.mcnet.ca
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
MCN - We Are Hiring!
Youth Intern – Technology Project Officer - Bracebridge
The Technology Project Officer who will work closely with the Executive Director to meet the goals and objectives of our organization and specifically technology programs which MCN delivers to our stakeholders and clients. This is a 1 year position as a Youth Intern.
Who is eligible? Unemployed or underemployed youth (under the age of 30) who have graduated with a degree or diploma from a post secondary institution within the last three years, are legally entitled to work in Canada, and have not been previously employed under a FedNor Youth Internship funding Agreement , or other Federal or Provincial Internship with pay for a period of six (6) months or more. Candidates must have reliable transportation.
This position will be exciting, challenging and rewarding for the right candidate. The position requires an individual who has strong understanding of business and technology projects. The Technology Project Officer will be required to work with stakeholders including small and medium sized enterprises, as well as technology vendors. A passion for technology projects, comfort with public presentations, computer technology, and technical material will round out the ideal candidate.
Responsibilities include:
Coordination and marketing of workshops and presentations on associated projects
Processing client applications
Interacting with project stakeholders
Some travel within Muskoka/Almaguin
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:
Excellent Time Management and Organization Skills
Written and oral proficiency
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite
Excellent interpersonal skills
Knowledge of telecommunications and broadband technologies
Knowledge of web technologies and the web development process
Knowledge of the Muskoka/Almaguin area
If you can demonstrate that you hold the required skills and are interested in working on this exciting project please forward your covering letter and resume in Word or PDF format to rob.mcphee@mcnet.ca or fax to (705)-646-9522.
Closing Date for this competition is: July 31, 2009 - 4:00pm
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Monday, June 8, 2009
'Digital nation' key to economic recovery, academics say
This report by Elizabeth Church indicates that Canadian Leaders are pushing to make Canada a leader in digital media.
Key speakers include: Ken Coates, Dean of Arts - University of Waterloo, Tony Clement, Ministry of Industry, Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, and Tom Jenkins, CEO Open Text.
For more information you can view the complete story at the Globe and Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/digital-nation-key-to-recovery-academics/article1172651/
For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Muskoka Digital Animation Studio Gets Name and Logo from Students
You can view the YouTube video showing the logo creation here or learn more about the digital animation studio here .
For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Monday, June 1, 2009
Japan's mega-fast rural broadband
Watch the video......
For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Thursday, April 23, 2009
More Broadband in Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Lake of Bays, Georgian Bay
HIGH SPEED INTERNET ARRIVES IN FOUR ADDITIONAL REMOTE AREAS OF GRAVENHURST, HUNTSVILLE, LAKE OF BAYS AND GEORGIAN BAY
MUSKOKA, Ontario ─ April 23rd, 2009 ─ Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is pleased to announce that high speed internet has arrived for the first time ever in the remote areas of:
· Baxter, Township of Georgian Bay
· Port Stanton, Gravenhurst
· Lake Waseosa, Huntsville
· Hillside, Township of Lake of Bays
“I had the new service installed earlier this month and it is wonderful to be off dial up internet. It’s reliable and it’s fast.” said Joe McRobb, beneficiary of the newly established broadband tower in Port Stanton, Gravenhurst.
Additional service is being expanded in the Townships of Lake of Bays and Georgian Bay, as well as the Towns of Huntsville, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. Please check http://www.mcnet.ca/projects/broadsched/ for more information.
To date, Muskoka Community Network has successfully coordinated the arrival of high speed internet in 25 previously unserviced locations, including the first nation community of Moose Deer Point.
Within Bracebridge:
Clear Lake
Portions of Falkenburg Station
Portions of Springdale Park
Stephenson Road 1 near Highway 11
Outlying areas of Taylor Road
Within the Township of Georgian Bay:
Baxter
South of the town of Mactier
West of the town of Mactier
Within Gravenhurst:
Barkaway
West Gravenhurst
Housey Rapids
Port Stanton
Ryde
Within Huntsville
Clearwater Lake Road (Port Sydney)
Deer Lake Road (North)
Lake Waseosa
Lancelot
Madill Church – just south of Huntsville
Within Lake of Bays:
Bella Lake
Blue Lake
Parts of Camp Lake
Hillside
Tasso Lake
Toad Lake
Within First Nations Communities:
Moose Deer Point
This newly established wireless broadband coverage is expected to reach 80 per cent of the unserved population within these areas. Coverage will continue to improve as more towers come on-line. For those unable to access high speed wireless service, satellite high speed may be available.
IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT in these communities, or areas, and would like to determine if you are eligible for high speed wireless on this network, contact a Core Broadband reseller. To find a Core Broadband reseller visit http://www.corebroadband.ca/ and click on ISP’S (internet service providers).
You can also find a complete list of ISP’s IN MUSKOKA by visiting http://www.mcnet.ca/servicedirectory/ISP/
About FedNor
FedNor is a federal regional development organization in Ontario that works with a variety of partners, as both a facilitator and catalyst, to help create an environment in which communities can thrive, businesses can grow and people can prosper.
To date, Muskoka Community Network has secured 2.5 million dollars in public funding from FedNor. 1.7 million dollars was secured for broadband alone. Additional funding has been allocated towards improving online communications for our communities, and providing training on how best to leverage online opportunities.
About Muskoka Community Network
Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to facilitating the implementation of telecommunications solutions for the regions of Muskoka and Almaguin, by working with and forming partnerships with both the public and private sectors.
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For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Rob McPhee
Muskoka Community Network
705-646-9044
rob.mcphee@mcnet.ca
or
Alison Withey
Blue Whale Communications Inc.
705-788-0080
alison@bluewhalecommunications.com
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Friday, April 17, 2009
Creative Muskoka - Vision to Reality
May 1, 2009 - 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Nipissing University Bracebridge Campus, 125 Wellington St., Bracebridge, ON
$10 per person - lunch provided
Facilitator: Kathy Simpson,
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Organized by: the Creative Muskoka Working Committee
Who Should Attend
Representatives from: the arts, culture and heritage in Muskoka; municipalities;
culture and tourism businesses; natural heritage/environmental groups; festival/event organizers; educational institutions; and other champions of the arts.
Outcomes:
- Raise awareness, understanding and appreciation of Muskoka’s cultural resources
- Share the Creative Muskoka vision
- Identify opportunities for collaboration/coordination that move Muskoka’s cultural
agenda forward - Develop project action plans that support Muskoka as a Designated Arts Community
For more information, to register (by April 17, please) or to reserve a display table, contact Muskoka Tourism 1-800-267-9700 or info@muskokatourism.ca, or register online at
http://www.mcnet.ca/creativemuskoka/
www.mcnet.ca
Thursday, April 16, 2009
DGRB-009-09: Extension to Comment Period for PCS/Cellular Consultation / DGRB-009-09: Prolongation de période de réception des commentaires pour consu
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The following document is now available on Industry Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Web site at: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/h_sf02092.html: Gazette Notice DGRB-009-09 – Extension to the Comment Period: Consultation on the Renewal of Cellular and Personal Communications Services (PCS) Spectrum Licences
The Gazette Notice will be published in the Canada Gazette April 25, 2009.
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Le document suivant est maintenant disponible sur le site Web de la Gestion du spectre et télécommunications d'Industrie Canada http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/fra/h_sf02092.html: Avis de la Gazette DGRB-009-09 – Prolongation de la période de réception des commentaires : Consultation sur le renouvellement de licences de spectre pour systèmes cellulaires et services de communications personnelles (SCP)
L'avis de la Gazette sera publié dans la Gazette du Canada le 25 avril 2009.
Heather HallManager, Emerging Networks Gestionnaire, Réseaux émergentSpectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications Sector Secteur du Spectre, des technologies de l'information et des télécommunicationsIndustry Canada Industrie Canada300 Slater Street, Ottawa ON K1A 0C8 300, rue Slater, Ottawa ON K1A 0C8Note new email Heather.Hall@ic.gc.caTelephone Téléphone 613-990-4411Facsimile Télécopieur 613-991-3514Government of Canada Gouvernement du Canada
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
CRTC opens online consultation on Internet traffic management practices
This consulation stems from the previous complaint put before the CRTC by CAIP. See http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/NEWS/RELEASES/2008/r081120.htm for more history on this issue.
For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at http://www.mcnet.ca/
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
MCN Announces LinkedIn Group
The purpose of this group is to allow people to communicate and collaborate on the development of technology capacity in Muskoka.
Please feel free to join this social network and discuss technology issues in Muskoka.
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1776862&trk=hb_side_g
For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Power of META TAGS in Search Engine Optimization
Web traffic typically consists of three distinct types. These three types of traffic are referred to as Direct, Organic, and Referral traffic. In this posting we will examine how direct and organic traffic are different, and how to use META TAGS to build organic traffic.
Direct Traffic is traffic that is generated from information that you post on the web simply because people already know to look for it there. For example, you may be wondering what the Government of Canada is doing these days, so you go to your computer browser and you type in http://www.gc.ca/. You have just created “Direct Traffic” for the Government of Canada. Generating “Direct Traffic” assumes a degree of existing brand recognition, and doesn’t require the use of any META TAGS, because people already know the website address.
If someone knows your website and types it in, they are creating “direct traffic” for you. In fact if someone already knows your website address, then the your marketing is already somewhat done since there is already brand awareness.
WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO DON”T KNOW WHERE YOUR INFORMATION IS?
“Organic Traffic” is very different. Organic traffic can attract visitors to your website even though they don’t know anything about you or your products or services. There are several techniques to create Organic Traffic. One of the techniques to build “Organic Traffic” is the use of META TAGS.
Putting the proper information into the META TAGS of any information that you create on the web significantly improves the ability of people to find you through search engines such as Google, Yahoo, AltaVista, etc. If you are trying to create brand and product awareness on the Internet why not let the search engines do the heavy lifting of marketing. This heavy lifting is attracting the “right clientele” to your web content.
There are 3 essential META TAGS that need proper and complete information to boost your organic traffic. These 3 essential META TAGS are the META TITLE, META DESCRIPTION, and META KEYWORD tags.
META TAGS FOR SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION EXPLAINED
The META TITLE tag is what will show up in the title bar of your web browser. The figure below demonstrates where META TITLE information shows up.
The META DESCRIPTION information that you submit is not visible to the human viewer, but is visible to search engines such as Google, Yahoo, AltaVista etc.
The META KEYWORD information that you submit is not visible to the human viewer either, but again is visible to search engines such as Google, Yahoo, AltaVista etc.
These search engines send out their little SEO bots to have a peek at your web content periodically and they scan your web content for META TITLE, META DESCRIPTION, and META KEYWORDS, as well as the information that you actually submit (your content).
So now that you know what META TITLES, META DESCRIPTIONS, and META KEYWORDS are, let’s examine how to use these.
Let’s make up a fictitious business called Muskoka's Fine Flower Shop.
The META TITLE should include a short title on what the page is about and the market you serve. For example:
Muskoka's Fine Flowers– Fine Flowers and Floral Arrangements
The META DESCRIPTION should include a short paragraph on what the page is about. For example: Muskoka's Fine Flowers is a flower shop located Muskoka, ON. Muskoka Fine Flowers will design flowers and floral arrangements. We can deliver or you can pickup. An excellent choice for weddings, funerals, anniversaries or Valentines day.
The META KEYWORDS should include several words that people searching for flowers might be looking for even though they don’t know about Muskoka Fine Flowers . These keywords should be separated by commas. Not any keywords will do. Your keywords should be related to the service or product you provide, and if you only serve a specific geographical location it should be included in your keyword selection. Respectable keyword choices for this ficticous company may be: Muskoka, flowers, floral, weddings, funerals, anniversary, Valentines day.
However, keep in mind that people are searching for terms which may be different than you might expect. For example, Muskoka Fine Flowers might cater to weddings, funerals, anniversaries and Valentines day. However, “roses, tulips, daisies,” may be good keyword choices too.
For an excellent learning resource on how to drive you organic traffic through keywords visit http://tourismkeys.ca/lesson_1.html This lesson is industry specific, but with only very little imagination it really applies to all industries.
For additional information on making powerful keyword choices, which are based on what people are actually searching for visit https://adwords.google.ca/select/KeywordToolExternal
The keywords that are important to your organization should appear in the body of your text as well as META TITLE, META DESCRIPTION, and META KEYWORDS. This builds keyword density, and keyword density is important in building organic traffic.
Good luck with using your META TAGS!
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Calling All Muskoka Business and Technology Geniuses! - Business and Technology Centre
Muskoka Community Network is facilitating the development of an advanced Muskoka Business and Technology Centre and we need your help.
Our vision is to create a centre of excellence that will support Muskoka business and technology development and to deliver training to further develop the technology workforce, economy, and culture in Muskoka.
We have an appropriate facility with UltraBroadband capacity, but we want your input into the design and capability of this facility. Come and join us on February 25th, 2009 at 1p.m. and contribute to the vision of the Muskoka Business and Technology Centre.
It will be exciting to hear your ideas on:
- What technological capacity your organization needs, but doesn't have access to;
- What human capacity your organization needs in relation to business and technology development, but doesn't have access to;
- What technological capacity Muskoka needs;
- The culture of a community based "Business and Technology Centre";
- How a community based "Business and Technology Centre" might operate.
Some possible ideas include:
- Community Video Streaming Centre
- Video Rendering
- Public Fibre access point
- Application Development
- Shared access to advanced computing resources
- Technology Training Catalogue
- And of course a technology training centre
We encourage you to post a comment on this article to get us all thinking about what this centre might look like.
We hope to see you on Feb 25th, 2009 at 1 p.m. at 440 Ecclestone Drive, Bracebridge, ON. We are located here....http://www.mcnet.ca/servicedirectory/mapRegards,
Muskoka Community Network
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
HIGH SPEED INTERNET ARRIVES IN FIVE REMOTE AREAS OF MUSKOKA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HIGH SPEED INTERNET ARRIVES FOR FIRST TIME EVER IN FIVE REMOTE AREAS OF MUSKOKA
Muskoka, Ontario ─ January 19th, 2009 ─ Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is pleased to announce that high speed internet has arrived for the first time ever in the remote areas of:
· Moose Deer Point, a first nations community
· Bella Lake, Lake of Bays
· Clear Lake, Bracebridge
· Madill Church, just south of Huntsville
· and the outlying areas of Taylor Road, Bracebridge
“High speed is more than a business advantage, it’s a basic business requirement,” said Eric Lindgren, head potter, Lindgren Pottery Showroom and resident, Madill Church.
“In its absence, all communications – be it with customers, suppliers or even the government – are a struggle, and at times counterproductive,” Lindgren added. “I’m looking forward to a substantial decrease in the insanity now that we have high speed in the Madill Church area.”
Additional service is being expanded in the Townships of Lake of Bays and Georgian Bay, as well as the Towns of Huntsville, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. Please check http://www.mcnet.ca/projects/broadsched/ for more information.
“At a time when the economy is under duress, the extension of high speed to as many people as possible is more important than ever,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director, at Muskoka Community Network. “In fact, in December FedNor echoed this sentiment with an additional investment of $491,200.00, enabling Muskoka Community Network to continue coordinating the deployment of broadband services and provide training opportunities to the residents and businesses of Muskoka and Almaguin,” added McPhee.
To date, Muskoka Community Network has successfully coordinated the arrival of high speed internet in 18 previously unserviced locations, including the first nation community of Moose Deer Point.
Within Bracebridge:
Portions of Springdale Park
Portions of Falkenburg Station
Stephenson Road 1 near Highway 11
Outlying areas of Taylor Road
Clear Lake
Within the Township of Georgian Bay:
South of the town of Mactier
West of the town of Mactier
Within Gravenhurst:
Ryde
Barkaway
Housey Rapids
West Gravenhurst
Within Huntsville:
Madill Church – just south of Huntsville
Within Lake of Bays:
Tasso Lake
Toad Lake
Blue Lake
Parts of Camp Lake
Bella Lake
Within First Nations Communities:
Moose Deer Point
“Core Broadband was retained by Muskoka Community Network to build the actual infrastructure and we’re proud to have played such a large role in connecting 18 communities to date, said Neil Smellie, Core Broadband. “Having said that, we are incredibly appreciative of the work done by Indigiinet, an internet service provider, whom we sub-contracted to assist in the establishment of high speed within the first nations community of Moose Deer Point. It was Bill Hay, Chairman and CEO of Indigiinet who worked closely with the communities’ Band Council to make it happen.”
This newly established wireless broadband coverage is expected to reach 80 per cent of the unserved population within these areas. Coverage will continue to improve as more towers come on-line. For those unable to access high speed wireless service, satellite high speed may be available.
IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT in these communities, or areas, and would like to determine if you are eligible for high speed wireless on this network, contact a Core Broadband reseller. To find a Core Broadband reseller visit www.corebroadband.ca and click on ISP’S (internet service providers).
You can also find a complete list of ISP’s IN MUSKOKA by visiting http://www.mcnet.ca/servicedirectory/ISP/
About FedNor
FedNor is a federal regional development organization in Ontario that works with a variety of partners, as both a facilitator and catalyst, to help create an environment in which communities can thrive, businesses can grow and people can prosper.
In 2007, Muskoka Community Network secured $1.7 million from FedNor towards the development of an infrastructure to deliver broadband to unserved areas; and through an open bidding process retained Core Broadband to begin building the necessary infrastructure early last year.
About Muskoka Community Network
Muskoka Community Network (MCN) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to facilitating the implementation of telecommunications solutions for the regions of Muskoka and Almaguin, by working with and forming partnerships with both the public and private sectors.
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For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Rob McPhee
Muskoka Community Network
705-646-9044
OR
Alison Withey
Blue Whale Communications Inc.
705-788-0080
alison@bluewhalecommunications.com
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Industry Canada - Spectrum Operations
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NOTICE: The following documents are now available.
Gazette Notice No. DGTP-003-08 - Consultation on the Possible Use of the Extended-Ku Spectrum Bands for Direct-to-Home (DTH) Satellite Broadcasting Services
Gazette: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf09193.html
Consultation: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf09183.html
Gazette Notice No. DGTP-004-08 - Consultation Paper on Using a Portion of the Band 14.5-15.35 GHz for Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) Systems
Gazette: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf09194.html
Consultation: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf09184.html
Interested parties should submit their comments no later than March 13, 2009.
Reply comments will be accepted until April 17, 2009.
Moratorium on Fixed Services in the Bands 10.95-11.2 GHz, 11.45-11.7 GHz, 14.66-14.82 GHz and 15.135-15.295 GHz
SAB-001-08: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf09185.html
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AVIS: Les documents suivants sont maintenant disponible.
Avis DGTP-003-08 - Consultation sur l'utilisation possible des bandes de fréquences Ku étendues pour le service de radiodiffusion directe (SRD) par satellite
Avis: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/fra/sf09193.html
Consultation: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/fra/sf09183.html
Avis no DGTP-004-08 - Document de consultation sur l'utilisation d'une partie de la bande 14,5-15,35 GHz par les systèmes de liaison de données commune tactique (TCDL)
Avis: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/fra/sf09194.html
Consultation: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/fra/sf09184.html
Les intéressés doivent présenter leurs observations au plus tard le 13 mars 2009.
En outre, le Ministère offrira aux intéressés l'occasion de répondre aux commentaires reçus. Ces réponses seront acceptées jusqu'au 17 avril 2009.
Moratoire sur les services fixes exploités dans les bandes 10.95-11.2 GHz, 11.45-11.7 GHz, 14.66-14.82 GHz et 15.135-15.295 GHz http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/fra/sf09185.html
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca
Friday, January 9, 2009
Sign up for new best practices workshops today!
With the start of a new year there are going to be new Muskoka Community Network workshops delivered this January. As part of MCN's commitment to delivering technology training education and awareness to Muskoka, we will be running many more workshops over 2009. Our workshops are designed to help Muskoka's businesses and residents get the most benefit from broadband and technology.
All of our workshops are delivered in easily understood language to suit everyone from those who just started using a computer yesterday to more advanced users. We are offering two new workshops, Plan Your Web and Technology Management.
Plan Your Web:
MCN Office, 440 Ecclestone Drive, Bracebridge
January 19th, 1:30pm
The first of two workshops will be a Plan Your Web workshop. This workshop teaches participants about what makes a good website and how to integrate planning website into your business structure. Plan Your Web participants will also learn some of the important points of search engine optimization, picking a good host and website developer plus much more! This workshop is sponsored by the Business Enterprise Resource Network, visit their website here.
Technology Management:
St. Thomas' Anglican Church, 4 Mary Street, Bracebridge
January 28th, 5:00pm
The second workshop is about Technology Management. This workshop covers a variety of important topics for today's business owner. Some of the highlights include developing strategies to cope with advancing technology and obsolescence, security for your computers and on the internet. Plus, the Technology Management workshop will show you how to avoid data disasters and ease recovery. This workshop is hosted in partnership with Muskoka Futures.
To sign up for either workshop or for more information please send us an e-mail at mcn.info@mcnet.ca or call us at 646-9044. Watch out for more information on other upcoming workshops on this blog or on our website.
For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at
www.mcnet.ca