Elmsdale, Nova Scotia, October 9, 2007 - The Honourable Peter MacKay,
Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon,
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, together with the
Honourable Brooke Taylor, Minister of Agriculture, on behalf of Premier
Rodney MacDonald, today announced that their respective governments have
committed to providing to 100 percent broadband coverage in Nova Scotia by
2009 as a priority under Building Canada, the Government of Canada's new
long-term infrastructure plan. Canada will cost share with the province,
providing up to 50 percent of total eligible costs for the public sector
funding component of this initiative.
"As part of its Building Canada infrastructure plan, Canada's New
Government is investing in priority infrastructure initiatives that
support a growing economy, a cleaner environment, and a more secure
Canada," said Minister MacKay. "Access to broadband is an essential tool
that will help improve access to important services and promote the
economic prosperity of rural and remote communities here in Nova Scotia
and across Canada."
The Province of Nova Scotia is currently in the process of selecting
qualified service provider(s) to deliver broadband connectivity to
unserved communities across the province that will ensure 100 percent
coverage for the province.
"Having the federal government contribute to our broadband initiative
is another important milestone for this project," said Minister Taylor on
behalf of Premier MacDonald. "Access to broadband service is critical and
that is why the Government of Nova Scotia is committed to expanding access
across the province by the end of 2009."
Federal financial support is conditional on the initiative meeting all
applicable federal eligibility requirements under the Building Canada
infrastructure plan and successful negotiations with the Province of Nova
Scotia of a Framework Agreement and a subsequent funding agreement.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure
plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and
predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada.
Building Canada will support a stronger, safer and better country. Over
the last several months, the Government of Canada has met with provinces,
territories and the municipal sector to discuss the Building Canada
infrastructure plan with a view to signing agreements and beginning to
fund projects under the plan.
Contacts:Karine WhitePress Secretary Office of the
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada613-948-1148
