OTTAWA – Six northwestern Ontario communities will receive improved high-speed Internet access under the Federal Government’s rural broadband program Connect to Innovate.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains said Tuesday that Bell Canada will receive up to $4.03 million in funding to improve high-speed coverage from Stratton to Kejick.
In addition to the federal funding, Bell will invest $1.3 million to build new fibre optic backbone in the communities of Stratton, Minahico, Madsen, the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, the Anishinaabeg of Naongashiing, and Kejick (Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent First Nation).
“It is extremely important to ensure that northerners have access to high-speed Internet as it not only provides them with improved access to online services but also helps boost the economic viability of the region”, said Kenora MP Bob Nault, in the announcement. “In order to keep up in today’s world, businesses, both big and small, need to have fast, reliable Internet connections. These types of investments will help entice new businesses to northwestern Ontario and also provide residents with a higher quality of life.”
“As Canada’s leader in broadband network investment and innovation, Bell is proud to partner with the federal government’s Connect to Innovate program to deliver advanced broadband access to these six communities in northwestern Ontario, creating new opportunities in education, health care and economic development”, added BCE and Bell Canada president and CEO George Cope. “Bell’s world-class fibre and wireless networks already reach Canadians in every province and territory of the country, and we will continue to work to ensure that all Canadians can benefit from the very best in broadband technology.”
