MNA Alexandre Iracà and MP Stéphane Lauzon announce more than $12.1M to connect 5,093 homes in the Outaouais to high-speed Internet
News Release
December 4, 2017 – Papineauville, Quebec
Following the call for proposals under the Québec branché program, two projects were announced in the Outaouais region (table of selected projects). These projects represent a total investment of $12,126,904, of which the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada is each contributing an equal share of $8,063,644. As a result of these projects, broadband Internet will become available in 16 Outaouais communities. It is expected that 5,093 homes in the region will have access to broadband Internet services.
The announcement was made today by Alexandre Iracà, Member of the National Assembly for Papineau, on behalf of Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, and by 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.
| Organizations | Investments | Québec branché Contributions | Connect to Innovate Contributions | Number of Homes* | Targeted Communities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Canada | $576,401 | $28,875 | $28,875 | 200 | Glen Almond Neilon |
| Papineau Regional County Municipality | $11,550,503 | $4,002,947 | $4,002,947 | 4,893 | Montpellier Chénéville Duhamel Ripon Namur Lac-des-Plages Boileau Saint-Émile-de-Suffolk Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix Mayo Lac-Simon Val-des-Bois Bowman Saint-Sixte |
| Total | $12,126,904 | $4,031,822 | $4,031,822 | 5,093 | 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
“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 generate business opportunities, improve communication, and increase access to distance education, e-health, media and online services. This is a solid investment that will benefit everyone for years to come.”
– Stéphane Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Argenteuil–La Petite-Nation
“The Québec branché program is a high-impact initiative that will help meet the growing needs of rural areas for broadband Internet services. 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
“Carrying out these two projects in the Outaouais 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 Outaouais region will come away a winner.”
– Stéphanie Vallée, Quebec Minister of Justice and Minister responsible for the Outaouais 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). The Quebec Digital Strategy will be released on December 13, 2017: #StratNumQc.
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The Government of Canada’s $500-million Connect to Innovate program aims to improve access to broadband Internet services in rural and remote Canadian communities.
Contacts
Contacts
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
Isabelle Marier St-Onge
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region
418-643-4210
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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