KAWAWACHIKAMACH, QC – Residents of the Northeastern Quebec communities of Kawawachikamach, Schefferville, Matimekush and Lac John now have access to high-capacity Internet service thanks to a joint broadband initiative between Canada’s New Government and the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach.
Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Chief Philip Einish, President of Naskapi Imuun Inc., today announced that the Government of Canada is contributing up to $4.7 million towards this $6.27 million initiative. The remainder of the funding, $1.57 million, comes from the Naskapi Nation.
"Broadband is a key piece of infrastructure for 21st century communities to help support their economic growth and prosperity," said Minister Cannon, in a press release.
"Canada’s New Government is proud to partner with the Naskapi Nation on this initiative that will provide residents improved access to a wide range of services such as distance learning, telehealth as well as electronic government services and e-commerce. This investment is consistent with our government’s new long-term infrastructure plan, Building Canada."
"This project supports the federal government’s commitment to expand broadband coverage across Canada," added Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Chuck Strahl. "The initiative will help stimulate economic growth and contribute to the well-being of the communities."
"The benefits of this initiative include the potential to bring vital high-speed Internet access to schools, health institutions and government offices, not to mention contributing to the overall sustainability and social, cultural and economic development of the region," added Chief Philip Einish.
The funding will help to bring enhanced broadband access to about 2,500 residents, 400 households, and more than 65 municipal and non-residential buildings. Naskapi Imuun is working closely with its broadband and satellite service provider OmniGlobe Networks, on the delivery of high-speed broadband Internet access to the Kawawachikamach/Schefferville region.
"We are proud to be the first community in Quebec to launch broadband Internet services as a result of the government’s National Satellite Initiative," said John Mameamskum, Director General, Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, "Indeed, without the Government of Canada’s contribution, it would not have been possible for us to expand our Internet services in the region."
The new broadband service builds on the existing ground stations and local access networks launched in January 2005 and funded through Industry Canada’s Broadband for Rural and Northern Development (BRAND) Pilot Program. It is expected to meet the needs of the region for the next 10 years.
Established under federal legislation in May 1999, Naskapi Imuun is a for-profit corporation that is wholly owned by the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach (the "Nation"). The Nation is a First Nation located northeast of Schefferville, Quebec, with a population of approximately 850 registered Indians, who are also beneficiaries of the 1978 Northeastern Quebec Agreement, Canada’s second comprehensive land claims settlement.
As a successful participant in Industry Canada’s Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program and the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund’s National Satellite Initiative, Naskapi Imuun provides high-speed Internet services in Kawawachikamach, Schefferville, Matimekush, Lac John.
