2-02464 IQALUIT, NUNAVUT (February 19, 2004) -- On behalf of the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, announced today that the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation is to receive $98,000 for a workshop critical to the implementation of broadband across Nunavut later this year. "NBDC already has a track record of success, and this workshop will help them build upon that," said Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament for Nunavut. "People in the communities tell me they are very much looking forward to using the new high speed internet service. Increased broadband access will greatly help economic development in Nunavut." "The Government of Canada supports the workshop goal of improving community capacity to fully use broadband when it becomes available later this year," said Ms. Karetak-Lindell. "I am pleased the department is able to help Nunavummiut seize this opportunity and the new economy it will allow them to access while enhancing the use of Inuktitut and Inuit culture." NBDC is to hold a five-day-long workshop in Iqaluit, beginning February 20, 2004. The $160,000 workshop will bring together potential Broadband Service Providers to: Increase their understanding of their role and responsibilities in delivering broadband services in their communities, especially from a business perspective, Test the technology to be used with the new broadband service and develop solutions to any problems that may arise, Develop the contracting tools needed by different types of organizations that may deliver broadband services in a community, such as a hamlet, co-op, development corporation or individual business, and Learn how to develop a marketing plan for community rollout of services. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is supporting the workshop through its Economic Development Innovation and Knowledge Fund. The fund is designed to help northerners participate in and benefit from innovation and the knowledge-based economy. Approximately $350,000 is available each year for Nunavut-based projects. Funding provided will help offset up to 75 per cent of the total cost of an eligible project. NBDC is working to ensure that affordable broadband services are available to all residents. Currently, "high speed" (up to 400 kilobytes per second) access is limited to a few government offices and Iqaluit residents. NBDC expects it will take five years and a total $18 million investment to achieve a self-sustaining service. Broadband infrastructure should be installed in each Nunavut community by October 2004. "The workshop will decrease the risks for those organizations that intend to be a Broadband Service Provider (BSP)," said NBDC Secretary Treasurer Lorraine Thomas. "By consulting with a wide range of potential BSPs, we intend to develop a flexible model for business, marketing and contracting. NBDC wants to see every Nunavut resident able to access affordable, reliable local service, no matter what kind of organization is the BSP." In addition to "Innovation & Knowledge" funding, the workshop is receiving financial support from the Government of Nunavut's Department of Sustainable Development and SSI Micro, the network provider for the new broadband system. Broadband is an important communications tool that truly meets the need of Inuit in Nunavut. The Inuit oral tradition is best served through visual and audio media. With slow-speed internet access, however, communication must be through English, text-based forms. Broadband will help Inuit realize the potential for visual two-way communications that complement their cultural world view. In turn, Inuit will be better placed to develop businesses, access education, and carry out their responsibilities under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. Backgrounder - Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation Backgrounder - Innovation & Knowledge Fund - Nunavut 2003-04 For further information contact: Maria O'Hearn Regional Communications Manager Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (867) 975-4510 Lorraine Thomas Secretary Treasurer Nunavut Broadband Development Corp. (867) 979-0575
