Canadians in Northumberland County to Benefit from Faster Internet

Pete Fisher
5 years ago
• Categories: Local

Press Release

Residents to get new or improved Internet access thanks to Government of Canada investment

Kim Rudd, Member of Parliament for Northumberland—Peterborough South, was in Cobourg on Thursday, August 15, 2019 on behalf of the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development, to announce an investment of $1,542,659 that will bring new or improved high-speed internet access to Northumberland County.

This investment will help residents of Elizabethville, Garden Hill, Bewdley and surrounding areas to connect with family and friends, do business online, participate in distance education and take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the digital age.

Connect to Innovate is investing in building the digital backbone of high-speed Internet networks. Backbone networks are the digital highways that move data in and out of communities. These highways carry large amounts of data that are essential for schools, hospitals, libraries and businesses to function in a digital world.

The funding announced today builds on numerous steps the Government of Canada has taken to improve Internet access for Canadians. High-speed Internet access is essential for Canadians in rural and remote communities to thrive in the digital economy. High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy is the Government’s plan to ensure that, over time, all Canadians will have access to affordable high-speed Internet, no matter where they live. It also commits to improving mobile wireless coverage where Canadians live and work, as well as along major highways and roads.

Quotes
“Broadband Internet service is key for the prosperity of rural Canadian communities. This project will allow residents of rural communities in Northumberland County to be better connected to friends, family, school and businesses, as well as have better access to online services and tools. By providing better broadband connections, we are increasing the potential for economic growth and diversification and enhancing the quality of life in small and rural communities.”
– The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development

“Digital investment in Northumberland – Peterborough South through the Connect to Innovate program enhances opportunities for residents of all ages. This important investment will support students in their education and will support businesses and institutions by giving them the technological tools they need to succeed in the digital economy. It’s all part of our government’s plan to help create opportunity in all communities, including rural and remote communities.”
– Kim Rudd, Member of Parliament for Northumberland—Peterborough South

“Nexicom is pleased to partner with the federal government to improve broadband services in Elizabethville, Garden Hill, Bewdley and surrounding areas. This partnership will help us provide the residents of these areas with the services they need to fully participate in the digital world and take advantage of the social, economic and educational opportunities that exist today.”
– Clayton Zekelman, President of Nexicom

Quick facts
· $1,542,659 investment in high-speed Internet announced today will benefit residents of Elizabethville, Garden Hill, and Bewdley

· The Government has proposed an ambitious plan to ensure that every household in communities across Canada, no matter how rural or remote, has access to high-speed Internet and mobile wireless services.
· In Budget 2019, the Government proposed historic investments of up to $6 billion for high-speed connectivity. New investments in the Connect to Innovate program are a key part of this funding.
· Through Connect to Innovate, the Government is extending high-speed Internet service to over 380,000 households and 900 rural and remote communities, of which 190 are Indigenous. Further investments will be announced shortly.
· Rural Opportunity, National Prosperity: An Economic Development Strategy for Rural Canada outlines ways to maximize federal investments to improve the quality and resiliency of community infrastructure, create good jobs, support trade and investment, strengthen skills, and welcome newcomers in rural communities.
· As a result of the $180-billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, Canada’s rural and northern communities are benefiting from the renewal of public infrastructure, which includes investments in roads, bridges and highways; water treatment systems; cleaner, more affordable sources of electricity; stormwater systems; and natural barriers that reduce the risk of flooding brought on by extreme weather events.
o $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities; and
o $400 million is being delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to deliver cleaner, more affordable electricity to residents living in Canada’s territories.