MP Rob Clarke announces major investment that will bring fast, reliable Internet services to 26 communities in Saskatchewan
LA RONGE, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - July 24, 2015) - Industry Canada
Everyday tasks that were once done in person, such as shopping, communicating, learning and banking, are now done online. To help Canadians communities, businesses and families have better access to these and many other online opportunities, Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide Saskatchewan Telecommunications (SaskTel) with a total of $7.42 million to connect nearly 2,700 homes in northern Saskatchewan to faster Internet services.
This broadband infrastructure project is expected to be completed by the end of June 2017, delivering Internet download speeds at a minimum of five megabits per second (Mbps).
For all Canadians, the Internet is a tool that spurs economic growth, broadens opportunities and connects friends and family from coast to coast to coast. For Canadians who live in communities with slow or no Internet, access to high-speed services will lead to new economic opportunities and the creation of new jobs, products and services.
The Connecting Canadians program will extend or enhance high-speed Internet access at 5 Mbps to more than 356,000 households across Canada, exceeding the Economic Action Plan 2014 target by over 75,000 households.
Quick facts
Quotes
"For rural and remote communities, like those in Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, the opportunities represented by high-speed Internet service will lead to greater economic growth and prosperity for families. The Harper Government understands the needs of Canadians living in northern communities, and this investment will create new opportunities for businesses and Canadians in northern Saskatchewan."
- Rob Clark, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River
"Today's announcement is another step towards the Government of Canada's goal of ensuring all Canadians have the opportunity to fully participate in the digital economy. Communities, families, farmers and local shop owners throughout northern Saskatchewan will soon benefit from this broadband expansion project and the advantages associated with high-speed Internet access."
- James Moore, Minister of Industry
"SaskTel is pleased to partner with the federal government to deliver high-speed connectivity to rural and remote communities in northern Saskatchewan. The Connecting Canadians program supports SaskTel's goal of bringing faster broadband speeds to our northern communities in order to provide equitable access to services such as communications, education, health, electronic commerce and entertainment."
- Jim Reiter, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Telecommunications (SaskTel), Province of Saskatchewan
Associated link
- Connecting Canadians website
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