Vancouver Community Network

Vancouver Community Network (VCN) is a community-owned provider of free internet access, technical support, and web hosting services to individuals and nonprofit organizations in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Vancouver Community Network
FormationMay 21, 1993; 31 years ago (1993-05-21)
FounderBrian Campbell[1]
Founded atVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
TypeNonprofit organization
Location
  • Woodward's Heritage Building, Suite 280-111, West Hastings, Vancouver, BC
ServicesInternet access
Technical support
Web hosting service
Key people
Tracey Axelsson, Executive Director[2]
Websitewww2.vcn.bc.ca

It developed StreetMessenger, a communication service for the homeless.[3]

History

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The organization was founded as Vancouver FreeNet by Brian Campbell and others.[1]

Revenue Canada initially rejected VCN's application status as a charitable organization, which would have allowed it to receive tax-deductible contributions. VCN appealed this decision, and in 1997, the Federal Court of Appeal ruled that providing free internet service was a charitable tax purpose.[4][5][6][7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Smith, Charlie (January 17, 2017). "Free speech advocate and long-time Vancouver library employee Brian Campbell dies". The Georgia Straight.
  2. ^ Grauer, Perrin (September 16, 2018). "Home of Downtown Eastside harm-reduction kiosk in question after Friday police raid". Toronto Star.
  3. ^ Ryan, Denise (June 20, 2018). "'Being a refugee is a circumstance, it's not a choice'". Vancouver Sun.
  4. ^ Internet. November 11, 1997. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  5. ^ Hutchinson, Allan C.; Petersen, Klaus (January 1, 1999). Interpreting Censorship in Canada. University of Toronto Press. ISBN 978-0-8020-8026-4.
  6. ^ "Legal Developments". The Philanthropist. October 1, 1996.
  7. ^ "Full Text of Judgement Indexed as: Vancouver Regional FreeNet Assn. v. Canada (Minister of National Revenue – M.N.R.) Between Vancouver Regional FreeNet Association, appellant, and Minister of National Revenue, respondent [1996] F.C.J. No. 914 Court File No. A-413-94". www2.vcn.bc.ca.
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