More than $6.7 million to connect 1,786 homes in the Outaouais to broadband Internet
News Release
February 19, 2018 – Gracefield, Quebec
Under the Québec branché program, four projects in the Outaouais region were selected (table of selected projects). These projects represent a total investment of $6,746,328, of which the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada is each contributing an equal share of $4,132,814. As a result of these projects, broadband Internet will become available in 13 communities in the Outaouais. It is expected that 1,786 households in the region will have access to broadband Internet services.
The announcement was made today by Stéphanie Vallée, Quebec Minister of Justice and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region, on behalf of Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, and by William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, 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 | $2,528,402 | $667,220 | $667,220 | 612 | Montcerf-Lytton Bois-Franc Aumond Egan-Sud |
| Bell Canada | $88,501 | $14,438 | $14,438 | 234 | Wilson's Corner |
| Bell Canada | $292,601 | $109,725 | $109,725 | 161 | Hollow Glen |
| Bell Canada | $3,836,824 | $1,275,024 | $1,275,024 | 779 | Grand-Remous Clément Lac-Pemichangan Petit-Poisson-Blanc Danford Lake Alcove Lascelles |
| Total | $6,746,328 | $2,066,407 | $2,066,407 | 1,786 | 13 |
| * Proponents' estimates in their project proposals | |||||
Quotes
“Carrying out these four 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 that 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
“Our rural communities need better high-speed Internet, so this multi-million-dollar investment is great news. It’s a big step toward bridging the digital divide. Every rural Canadian deserves access to high-speed Internet. As MP for Pontiac, I consider this a top priority, and I will keep working hard on Internet infrastructure issues.
– William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac
“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 $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
“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
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:
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Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
Isabelle Marier St-Onge
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region
418 643-4210
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
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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