November 03, 2004 LA RONGE, Saskatchewan -- Better access to community and health services, online education and electronic commerce is a mouse click away for 35 northern Saskatchewan communities. Federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale, Saskatchewan Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger and members of the Northern Broadband Network today announced federal-provincial funding of $2 million for a two-year, $8.9 million project that will see infrastructure installed for high-speed Internet in those 35 northern communities. The $2 million will be invested through the Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement (NDA)— $1.6 million from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and $400,000 from the province of Saskatchewan. Industry Canada announced a $3-million commitment through its Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Program (BRAND) in April 2004. BRAND is a national program that is committed to bringing broadband service to rural communities to help surmount the barrier of distance. Once these 35 communities gain high-speed Internet access through this project, northern Saskatchewan will be one of the most connected areas in Canada,” said Minister Goodale on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). “The Government of Canada is committed to providing Canadians with the tools to move forward socially and economically. Partnerships like the Northern Development Agreement are an excellent way to reach that common objective.” This expansion of Internet services will give northern Saskatchewan high-quality technology equal to any urban community in Canada. Our improved ability to access information is another means to a better life for northerners,” Minister Belanger said. The project accommodates greater technological advancements in the provision of services for Aboriginal governments and banking institutions, it also allows for greater distance educational opportunities for northerners and the ability of northern businesses to market their services and/or products to the global market. It’s the coming of age for technology for the north and it’s comparable to services provided anywhere in the country,” Al Rivard, Chairperson of the Northern Development Board Corp. SaskTel will install, supply and maintain the entire infrastructure needed for high-speed Internet for residential, commercial and institutional customers under the direction of the Northern Broadband Network (NBN). SaskTel will also provide training and employment opportunities on the project for northern residents. Work will be completed by late 2006. Environmental approval is underway on the project and is expected to be completed in the near future. The Broadband Network consists of representatives from Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Prince Albert Grand Council and New North, Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities. Keewatin Career Development Corporation will provide technical advice to the NBN. The five-year, $20-million Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement—funded with $10 million each from the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan—provides opportunities for northerners in five strategic priority areas including economic infrastructure, innovation, realizing employment opportunities, capacity building and investment attraction. Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget. - 30 - For additional information, contact: Joanne Mysak Manager, Communications Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon, SK Tel: (306) 975-5942 E-mail: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca Dean Desjarlais Chief Executive Officer Northern Development Board La Ronge, Saskatchewan (306) 425-2444 Glenn McKenzie Assistant Deputy Minister Saskatchewan Northern Affairs La Ronge Saskatchewan (306) 425-4203 WD Toll-Free Number 1-888-338-WEST (9378) World Wide Web Site: English: http://www.wd.gc.ca French: http://www.deo.gc.ca Backgrounder Northern Broadband Network Saskatchewan's Northern Administration District (NAD) represents about half of the provincial land mass (approximately 320,000 square km) and a population of approximately 35,000. With high-speed Internet access already available in the larger northern centres, the project is targeted at 35 smaller northern communities. Representatives from Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC), Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) and New North formed t he non-profit Northern Broadband Network (NBN) to develop and implement the Internet access project. SaskTel won the competitive tender process. The Crown Corporation is responsible for ongoing operating and maintenance costs regardless of the number of subscribers. More than 330 subscribers are expected in the first year. The NBN has established a project management committee with representation from MLTC, PAGC, New North, and the project’s technical advisor, Keewatin Career Development Corporation (KCDC). KCDC has successfully implemented and managed projects funded by Industry Canada under the Community Access and SchoolNet programs. Industry Canada will fund $3 million under the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Program, which is a federal initiative to connect rural and Northern residents to high-speed Internet.
