More than $14.3M to connect nearly 8,000 homes in Basses-Laurentides to high-speed Internet
News Release
November 27, 2017 – Lachute, Quebec
Following the call for proposals under the Québec branché program, four projects in the Basses-Laurentides region were selected (table of selected projects). These projects represent a total investment of $14,332,953, of which the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada is each contributing an equal share of $10,062,008. As a result of these projects, broadband Internet will become available in 25 communities in Basses-Laurentides. It is expected that 7,753 homes in the region will have access to broadband Internet services.
The announcement was made today by Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy; Yves St-Denis, Member of the National Assembly for Argenteuil and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister responsible for Labour; and Stéphane Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Argenteuil–La Petite-Nation, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
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.
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
“Carrying out these four projects in the Laurentides 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 Laurentides region will come away a winner.”
– Christine St-Pierre, Quebec Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie and Minister responsible for the Laurentides region
“I’m delighted with today’s announcement for the region. Giving people the possibility of accessing the Internet to communicate with one another was my top priority. Business people, families, seniors and students will now have the opportunity to use this tool to create business opportunities and to improve communication as well as access to education, e-health, media and online services. This is a solid investment that will benefit everyone.”
– Stéphane Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Argenteuil–La Petite-Nation
“I’m very pleased with the support from the two levels of government for the widespread rollout of high-speed Internet across the province. Without a doubt, our collective efforts have led not only to this great day for our region’s economic development but also to the arrival of better service that thousands of residents expect. This significant investment is helping equip our municipalities with a tool that has become essential to their vitality.”
– Yves St-Denis, Member of the National Assembly for Argenteuil and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister responsible for Labour
“Two of the selected projects will have an impact on the Outaouais region, particularly in the communities of Fassett and Papineauville. Today’s announcement is an important step in connecting rural communities, which contributes to not only keeping families and businesses in the region but also attracting them here. I want to acknowledge the municipal officials and supporters for their commitment to our collective prosperity.”
– Alexandre Iracà, Member of the National Assembly for Papineau
Quick Facts
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).
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:
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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
Ann-Clara Vaillancourt
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie and Minister responsible for the Laurentides region
418-649-2319
Mélanie Cayer
Political Attaché
Office of the MNA for Argenteuil and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister responsible for Labour
450-562-0785
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
| Organizations | Investments | Québec branché Contributions | Connect to Innovate Contributions | Number of HomesFootnote * | Targeted Communities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argenteuil Regional County Municipality | $11,068,910 | $4,652,355 | $4,652,355 | 4,423 | Lakeview Lost River Lac-MacDonald Lac-Keatley Pine Hill Louisa Grace Park Dalesville Mille-Isles Lac Sir-John Lac Beattie Lac Hughes |
| DERYtelecom | $2,185,380 | $294,413 | $294,413 | 2,500 | Grenville-sur-la-Rouge Pointe-au-Chêne Calumet Brownsburg-Chatham Cushing Saint-Philippe Saint-André-d’Argenteuil Carillon Grenville Fassett Papineauville |
| Bell Canada | $368,000 | $30,250 | $30,250 | 168 | Mont-Saint-Pierre |
| Bell Canada | $710,663 | $53,986 | $53,986 | 662 | Saint-Placide |
| Total | $14,332,953 | $5,031,004 | $5,031,004 | 7,753 | 25 |
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