January 07, 2005 LA RONGE, Saskatchewan -- The final piece of capital funding is now in place to install the infrastructure and deliver high-speed Internet access in 35 northern communities. The $11.6 million Northern Broadband Network (NBN) initiative today received final funding of $524,069 over two years under the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA). Federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), Minister Responsible for SaskTel and Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations Maynard Sonntag, and Prince Albert Grand Council Chief Gary Merasty, chair of NBN, announced the WEPA funding. The WEPA contribution builds on previously announced commitments of $3 million from Industry Canada's Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Program (BRAND), and $2 million from the Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement. SaskTel won a competitive process to deliver the service to residential, commercial and institutional customers under the direction of the Northern Broadband Network. SaskTel will invest approximately $6.1 million in capital and operating costs. The 35 northern communities currently lack the infrastructure required for high-speed service. Representatives from Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC), and New North formed t he non-profit Northern Broadband Network (NBN) to develop and implement the Internet access project. Keewatin Career Development Corporation will provide technical advice to the NBN. "Regional and rural economic development is a part of the Government of Canada's overall economic strategy," said Minister Goodale . "That's why we're investing in the fundamentals such as skills upgrading, community development, and modern infrastructure like the broadband communications in northern Saskatchewan ." "SaskTel is proud to be a partner in this project which will see more First Nations and Métis people in Saskatchewan gain access to high speed Internet," Minister Sonntag said. "As a result of this partnership and CommunityNet II - more than 86 per cent of the provincial population will soon have high-speed access to this valuable educational, communications and entertainment service. Saskatchewan continues to lead the way in Canada in deploying high speed Internet to rural communities." SaskTel will install, supply, maintain and own the infrastructure. It is also responsible for ongoing operating and maintenance costs. SaskTel will provide training and employment opportunities for northern residents under the project. Work will be completed by late 2006. "We are given the opportunity to access the infrastructure we need to grow and prosper as northern residents. We are rapidly developing the skills, we have already demonstrated our entrepreneurship, and we continue our innovative approaches to economic and community development," said Grand Chief Gary Merasty of the Prince Albert Grand Council on behalf of the Northern Broadband Network. "The Northern Broadband Network will make Northern Saskatchewan one of the most connected areas of Canada and indeed North America. Our communities, our schools, our children will all be able to access information, education, health services, entertainment, and do business with the most modern tools in the new economy." Environmental approval for the project is underway and is expected to be completed in the near future. BRAND is a national program that is committed to bringing broadband service to rural communities to help surmount the barrier of distance. In September 2003, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan signed the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement. Both parties committed $25 million each over four years to support economic development initiatives that will create a more robust Saskatchewan economy and generate stronger, sustainable communities. Western Economic Diversification Canada and Saskatchewan Industry and Resources deliver the program. Federal and provincial funding for this project was provided for in the respective March 2004 budgets of each government. - 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 Russell Roberts Prince Albert Grand Council (306) 953-7200 Dean Desjarlais Chief Executive Officer Northern Development Board La Ronge, Saskatchewan (306) 425-2444 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 Bob Ellis Director, Public Affairs Saskatchewan Industry and Resources Regina, Saskatchewan (306) 787-1691 www.ir.gov.sk.ca
