It is estimated that each year at least half a million people in Canada study through distance education from those unable to attend an institution, such as students confined to hospitals and persons with disabilities, to those who choose to or for whom it is necessary to study independently, eg, working adults. Programs and courses are available from primary schooling to post-secondary education, with many more offerings that are noncredit. Across Canada, over 65% of colleges offer at least one distance education course with over 60 000 students enrolled. Over 35 universities offer distance education programs. Many government departments and over 35% of large companies in Canada are already using some form of distance education. Commercial suppliers as well as industrial, trade and professional organizations are also providing distance learning courses and resources.