Canada has highlighted more than $16 million in combined federal and provincial funding for two projects to bring high-speed Internet access to 3,330 households in rural Ontario, as well as in First Nation communities.
This was disclosed on Thursday by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Bryan May, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development.
Recalled on July 29, 2021, the governments announced their partnership to support large-scale, fibre-based projects that will provide high-speed Internet access to more than 280,000 rural and remote households across the province.
This historic agreement was made possible by a joint federal-provincial investment totalling more than $1.2 billion, while this funding is thanks to a collaboration between Ontario and Canada.
This investment builds on the Government of Canada’s progress toward ensuring that 98% of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100% by 2030.
As the country work to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow the economy, the federal and provincial governments will continue to make investments in infrastructure to build strong communities and a more competitive and resilient Ontario and Canada for everyone.
Through its broadband initiative, the Canada Infrastructure Bank is collaborating with the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to improve the commercial viability of projects.
Minister of Rural Economic Development, Gudie Hutchings said, "We need to close the connection gap and ensure that every nook and cranny of Ontario has access to reliable high-speed Internet whether that’s in Oil Springs or Carlsbad Springs or all the way on the shores of Lake Superior.
"This investment of more than $16 million in funding to connect 3,330 rural households in the province is a milestone for Ontarians.
"Investments like these help create jobs, improve access to health care and online learning services, and keep us connected to our loved ones.
"The Government of Canada will continue to make investments like these to help achieve our national target of connecting 98% of Canadians by 2026 and 100% by 2030.”
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Bryan May also said, "This is excellent news for rural Ontario.
"High-speed Internet access is an essential service that has only been made more vital due to the pandemic.
"Our government knows that it is urgent and critical to connect rural and remote regions throughout Canada, including Ontario.”
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