TELUS Communications installing backbone network to bring service to 20 communities in Côte Nord

News Release

December 19, 2017 – Québec, Quebec

TELUS Communications Inc. will install a backbone network to make broadband Internet available in 20 communities in the Côte‑Nord region.

The targeted communities are Aguanish, Baie-Johan-Beetz, Baie-Saint-Ludger, Colombier, L’Île-Michon, Les Buissons, Les Îlets-Caribou, Les Îlets-Jérémie, Longue‑Pointe-de-Mingan, Magpie, Mingan–Ekuanitshit, Natashquan, Pointe‑aux‑Anglais, Pointe-aux-Outardes, Pointe-des-Monts, Rivière-au-Tonnerre, Rivière‑Saint‑Jean, Ruisseau‑Vert, Saint-Marc-de-Latour and Sheldrake.

Bringing service to these 20 communities is part of the TELUS Communications backbone network project that will have an impact on a total of 148 communities in the Côte‑Nord, Gaspésie, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Chaudière-Appalaches, Capitale-Nationale and Mauricie regions.

The Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada are supporting this $44,746,160 project, respectively contributing $20,723,568 and $10,361,784 through the Québec branché program and the Connect to Innovate program.

Quotes

“Reliable, fast Internet service is essential for enterprises in Côte Nord that want to further digitize their business processes, have an online presence and conduct e-commerce. It is also vital for families that want to move to our region or for young people who want to return here after their studies. Our government is putting considerable effort into building a solid digital economy and regions that are both attractive and open to the world.”
– Pierre Arcand, Minister responsible for Government Administration and Ongoing Program Review, Chair of the Conseil du trésor and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region

“This investment will benefit the middle class in the Côte-Nord region. It will help create greater employment and business opportunities, improve communication, and increase access to distance education, e-health, and online media, goods and services.”
– Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia

“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 the Quebec Digital Strategy, the Government of Quebec announced an investment of $200 million to build on Québec branché so that all residents have access to high-speed networks within the next five years.”
– Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy

“Access to high-speed Internet is no longer 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. Our government 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, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Thanks to support from the federal and provincial governments, we will offer high-speed Internet access to 99% of cities, towns and communities in Est-du-Québec by 2021. Since 2013, we have invested more than $300 million to extend our fibre optic network in Quebec so that thousands of residents, businesses and public institutions can have access to a world-class network. On behalf of the 6,000 members of the TELUS Québec team, I’m pleased by this shared commitment to do everything possible to provide Quebecers with the best technological solutions at home, at work and on the road.”
– François Gratton, Executive Vice-President and President, Business Solutions East and TELUS Québec

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Contacts

Cynthia St-Hilaire
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for Government Administration and Ongoing Program Review, Chair of the Conseil du trésor and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region

418-643-5926

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)

Gabrielle Tellier
Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy
418-691-5650

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Karl W. Sasseville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Francois Gaboury
Media Relations Officer
TELUS
438-862-5136

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