The Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada will each allocate more than $1 million to provide 10 communities in Bas-Saint-Laurent with high-speed Internet connectivity.

“Our rural communities deserve greater access to high-speed Internet. This investment is therefore excellent news. By investing in digital infrastructure, we’re helping unlock tremendous economic potential and promoting the creation of jobs, products and businesses in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.”
– Rémi Massé, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia

“High-speed Internet access is key for the prosperity of rural Canadian communities. This project will allow residents in Bas-Saint-Laurent to stay connected to friends and family and to communicate with school and business representatives. They will also have better access to online services and tools. By providing better broadband connectivity, we are increasing the potential for economic growth and diversification and enhancing the quality of life in small rural communities.”
– The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development

“In 2019, high-speed Internet service is essential for developing a strong regional economy and boosting the vitality of our communities. That is why the Government of Quebec is doing everything possible to ensure its availability in all regions. Our objective is simple: to enrich Quebec and allow the economy to evolve in line with the capacities and ambitions of its citizens and businesses.”
– Marie-Eve Proulx, Quebec Minister for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine regions

“Access to efficient, high-quality Internet has a direct impact on business innovation and competitiveness. It could also be what convinces businesses, as well as families and young people, to move to a region. This digital transformation will breathe new life into the 10 targeted communities and the entire Bas-Saint-Laurent region, which will benefit greatly.”
– Denis Tardif, Member of the National Assembly for Rivière-du-Loup–Témiscouata

“Bell is proud to partner with the provincial and federal governments to expand Canada’s most advanced broadband network in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. Access to high-speed communication services for residents and businesses will play a key role in the region’s prosperity, now and in the future.”
– Martine Turcotte, Vice Chair, Quebec, Bell

• The Government of Quebec committed to improving high-speed Internet coverage by putting in place sufficient digital infrastructure in all regions of Quebec, and it expects to invest an additional $400 million by 2026 to meet that goal. 

•  Following the call for project proposals under the Québec branché program (in French), 82 projects covering 14 Quebec regions were selected.

• 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.

Émilie Simard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
613-864-7690
emilie.simard3@canada.ca

Amélie Dionne
Director of Communications and 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
418-691-5650

Carl Thériault
Press Secretary
Constituency Office, Member for Rivière-du-Loup–Témiscouata
418-868-0822

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

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
1-877-250-7154 (toll-free)
infc.media.infc@canada.ca

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