More than $18.3M to connect homes in Centre-du-Québec to high-speed Internet
News Release
November 24, 2017 – Bécancour, Quebec
Following the call for proposals under the Québec branché program, five projects in the Centre-du-Québec region were selected (table of selected projects). These projects represent a total investment of $18,369,850, of which the Government of Quebec is contributing $5,645,909 and the Government of Canada is contributing $2,146,293. As a result of these projects, broadband Internet will become available in 16 communities in Centre-du-Québec. It is expected that 8,791 homes in the region will have access to broadband Internet services.
The goal of the Québec branché program is to provide broadband Internet services to unserved or underserved regions and communities. Project selection and funding were made in collaboration with the federal Connect to Innovate program. In total, 80 projects have been selected in 14 regions of Quebec.
| Organizations | Investments | Québec branché Contributions | Connect to Innovate Contributions | Number of Homes* | Targeted Communities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bécancour Regional County Municipality | $15,964,329 | $5,249,423 | $1,749,807 | 8,000 | Bécancour Deschaillons-sur-Saint-Laurent Parisville Fortierville Sainte-Françoise Sainte-Sophie-de-Lévrard Sainte-Cécile-de-Lévrard Saint-Pierre-les-Becquets Sainte-Marie-de-Blandford Lemieux Le Précieux-Sang Saint-Sylvère |
| Bell Canada | $463,750 | $96,525 | $96,525 | 170 | Lac-William (city of Saint-Ferdinand) |
| Bell Canada | $272,801 | $102,300 | $102,300 | 68 | Sainte-Julie-Station (city of Laurierville) |
| Sogetel | $593,443 | $38,492 | $38,492 | 119 | Villeroy |
| Cogeco Connexion | $1,075,527 | $159,169 | $159,169 | 434 | Saint-Joachim-de-Courval (city of Drummondville) |
| Total | $18,369,850 | $5,645,909 | $2,146,293 | 8,791 | 16 |
*Proponents’ estimates in their project proposals
Quotes
“Access to high-speed Internet is not a luxury; it’s essential. High-speed Internet services are basic tools that all Canadians should have access to, regardless of their postal code. Canadians need these services to do business and build stronger communities. The Government of Canada recognizes that innovation takes place everywhere in Canada, both in cities and rural areas. Thanks to our Connect to Innovate program, Canadians will be better able to seize the opportunities offered by the digital economy.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
“Our support for these projects will enable more households and businesses to connect, thereby contributing to Quebec’s economic growth and the vitality of its regions. Just like electricity was a driving force in the 20th century, access to broadband Internet is today a powerful driver of digital and socio-economic development. That’s why, in its recent economic update, the Government of Quebec announced an investment of $300 million over the next five years so that all residents are able to access high-speed networks.”
– Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy
“This investment will benefit the middle class in communities in the Centre-du-Québec region. It will help create greater employment and business opportunities, better access to online education and e-health, improved communications and access to media, and increased access to online goods and services.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade and Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain
“Carrying out these five projects in the Centre-du-Québec region will help businesses that need broadband Internet services to maintain their operations and be more competitive. Families in remote areas who were previously underserved will enjoy a better quality of life. The entire Centre-du-Québec region will come away a winner.”
– Laurent Lessard, Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region
Quick Facts
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The Québec branché program, which has initially been allocated $100 million, is one of the pillars of the Digital Economy Action Plan and the Quebec Digital Strategy (all links are to French web pages).
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The Government of Canada’s $500-million Connect to Innovate program will extend and enhance broadband service in Canadian rural and remote communities.
Contacts
Follow the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation on social media:
Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
Gabrielle Tellier
Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy
418-691-5650
Mathieu Gaudreault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region
418-643-7295
Karl W. Sasseville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500
Information
Jean-Pierre D’Auteuil
Media Relations Officer
Communications Branch
Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation
418-691-5698, extension 4868
418-559-0710 (cell)
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca
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