PARRY SOUND, ON – Wasauksing First Nation and nine institutions in northern Ontario will soon get online with new or improved high-speed Internet thanks to a joint federal-provincial investment of $1.8 million.
The funding was announced Tuesday by Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains and Ontario Minister of Energy and Member of Provincial Parliament for Sudbury Glenn Thibeault at Wasauksing First Nation.
According to the announcement, $1.03 million will come from the federal government’s Connect to Innovate program; $62,000 will come from the Government of Ontario, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation; and $708,000 will come from other contributors.
“We are extremely happy that the Connect to Innovate program will help make fast, affordable and reliable Internet a reality for Wasauksing First Nation”, said chief Warren Tabobondung, in the announcement. “In today’s world, having access to high-speed Internet is an essential ingredient for being both successful and competitive. We look forward to the new opportunities that this project will create for our community.”
Minister Bains also announced FedNor funding of $250,000 to the Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations for a land- and asset-management database that will allow members to manage their infrastructure throughout its entire life cycle, improve financial accounting, work together more efficiently and be self-sufficient.
The FedNor funding is provided through the Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
“Establishing an asset-management system will allow us to identify and track community assets while creating a road map for capital planning, land use and source water protection”, added Pamela Restoule, president of Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations and economic development officer for Dokis First Nation. “I look forward to the benefits this project will deliver locally and for our six partner First Nations.”
Photo from Tuesday’s annoucement via Minister Bains' Twitter account
