Fredericton, New Brunswick - The New Brunswick
Broadband Initiative has been completed, making the province one of the
most broadband-connected provinces and territories in Canada. The project,
which was originally set to be completed at the end of the year, was
finished six months ahead of schedule.
A collaboration between the Government of Canada, the Government of New
Brunswick and Aliant Inc., the program has provided all regional health
care centres, business parks and First Nations communities, as well as
most New Brunswick residences and businesses, with access to high-speed
Internet service.
"In today's global economy, it's important that businesses have access
to all the tools they need to thrive. By providing high-speed Internet
access to almost all businesses in the province, this initiative will go a
long way in contributing to their sustainability," said the Honourable
Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
"In addition, thanks to high-speed Internet access, most residents of New
Brunswick will now be able to access the health care services they
need without travelling great distances. This project is consistent
with this government's commitment to enhance the quality of life of
Canadians."
"New Brunswick is leading the way in providing the highest-quality
technology to its businesses, residents and its health care centres," said
the Honourable Bernard Lord, Premier of New Brunswick. "Increased
broadband access will help us achieve our Five in Five Initiative goal of
becoming Canada's 'investment province' and increase the number of New
Brunswickers with post-secondary education."
"Today underscores the tremendous power of partnership, and its ability
to keep this province and this region at the forefront of innovation,"
said Heather Tulk, Vice President Residential Markets, Aliant. "Our
joint commitment in connecting New Brunswickers was built on more than
simply the technology that runs into your home or business.
Together, we will continue to foster endless opportunities to learn, to
access information, and to deliver new services. This opportunity -
and this technology - ensures the highest quality of service, value and
convenience for our customers." The Government of Canada
provided up to $16.5 million for this infrastructure project, with the
Government of New Brunswick investing $12.5 million and Aliant $15.6
million. Installation and upgrades of broadband equipment extended
coverage to 327 communities throughout rural New Brunswick. The Government
of Canada's contribution comes from the Canada Strategic Infrastructure
Fund, which supports large-scale projects of major national and regional
significance, in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and
supporting an enhanced quality of life for Canadians.The
Government of Canada's 2006 Federal Budget committed an unprecedented
$16.5 billion over the next four years for provincial, territorial and
municipal infrastructure, including an additional $2 billion for the
Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund.
For more information on Infrastructure Canada and its programs, please
visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/.
The Government of New Brunswick website can be found at http://www.gnb.ca/. For more
information on Aliant, visit http://www.aliant.ca/.
