The governments of Quebec and Canada are each investing $137,500 to bring high-speed Internet service to 115 households in the Black Lake district of Thetford Mines. The project, which has a total value of $493,500, will be carried out by Bell.

“In 2019, high-speed Internet service is indispensable for healthy regional economic development and community vitality. That is why the Government of Quebec is doing everything possible to ensure that high-speed Internet is available in all regions. Our goal is simple: a prosperous Quebec that measures up to the ambitions of its citizens and businesses.”
– Marie-Eve Proulx, Minister for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches Region

“This is excellent news for the citizens of the Black Lake district who lacked a high-speed Internet connection. Access to this essential service provides an additional incentive for businesses to set up shop in the region or for young people to settle here after their studies. The entire region will come away a winner.”
– Isabelle Lecours, Member for Lotbinière-Frontenac

“In the 21st century, high-speed Internet is a basic tool that enables our fellow citizens and our businesses to take advantage of new opportunities. Thanks to the investments announced today, this region will be able to reach its potential, becoming one of the most innovative and prosperous in the country.”
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“Access to high-speed Internet service is not a luxury; it’s essential. High-speed Internet services are basic tools that all Canadians should have access to, regardless of where they live. Canadians need these services to do business, take training and build stronger communities. Thanks to our Connect to Innovate program, Canadians will be able to better seize the opportunities offered by the digital economy.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Bell is proud to partner with the governments of Quebec and Canada to expand broadband Internet access in the Black Lake district, offering greater opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors to innovate and contribute to the community’s growth.”
– Martine Turcotte, Vice Chair, Quebec, Bell

• The Government of Quebec has committed to improving high-speed Internet coverage by putting in place appropriate digital infrastructure in all regions of Quebec. It will invest an additional $400 million over the next four years to accomplish this.

• The Government of Canada’s $500-million Connect to Innovate program aims to improve access to high-speed Internet services in rural and remote Canadian communities.

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Antoine de la Durantaye
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine regions
418-558-6039 (cell)

Kaven Mathieu
Press Secretary
Office of the Member for Lotbinière-Frontenac
418-814-9289

Valérie Glazer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
819-654-5546

Jean-Pierre D’Auteuil
Media Relations Officer
Communications Branch
Ministry of Economy and Innovation
418-691-5698, extension 4868
418-559-0710 (cell)

Dani Keenan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-1710

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