TORONTO – In addition to kicking off consultations on a national digital strategy, Industry Minister Clement also announced the first series of projects to receive conditional funding approval under the government’s rural high-speed Internet program.
The 52 projects, scattered across nine provinces and territories, are anticipated to bring broadband Internet access to an estimated 169,000 Canadian households.
"I am delighted that, as a result of today’s announcement, so many individuals, families and businesses across Canada will soon have access to high-speed Internet service for the first time," said Minister Clement in a statement, earlier this week. "Canada is poised to make great strides into the digital economy of the 21st century, and this news is a major part of our strategy."
The projects will receive a federal contribution of approximately $76.7 million. Other projects will be announced in the near future, until all program funds are allocated.
The recent federal budget allocated $225 million towards the development and implementation of a strategy to extend broadband coverage to Canadians living in unserved and underserved areas.
