For Release
October 11, 2007
Prince George, British Columbia — Business and
industry in Prince George will soon have more opportunities for growth
and technological innovation, thanks to an investment of $27,500 from
Canada’s New Government into an advanced networks taskforce that
will study the expansion of local ultra-high speed Internet access.
Dick Harris, MP for Cariboo-Prince George, made the announcement today
on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s
Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister
of Western Economic Diversification (WD).
“Improving industry and business access to ultra-high speed Internet
will strengthen their technological capacity, competitiveness and productivity,
while fostering growth for the Prince George economy,” said MP Harris.
“This initiative will help move the City of Prince George and surrounding
areas one step closer toward expanding the advanced network infrastructure
for business, industry and academia.”
The study will determine the best business model of public/private partnerships
to expand the existing ultra-high speed network infrastructure to the
business community and industry in Prince George. The existing network
was created by the City of Prince George in partnership with the University
of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and BCNet.
A collaborative Task Force made up of key stakeholders, including the
Innovation Resource Centre Council, the City of Prince George, Initiatives
Prince George, BCNet, UNBC and the private sector, is undertaking this
project. The federal government will contribute $27,500 of the $49,000
required to complete the study and create a business plan for implementation,
with $24,500 coming from WD and $3,000 coming from Industry Canada.
“The Task Force is grateful for financial support from the Government
of Canada to undertake this feasibility study, said Rodney Gainer, Director
of Business Enhancement at the Innovation Resource Centre. “With
the support of all our private sector partners, we will expand technological
innovation in the Prince George area."
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government
of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations
and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western
economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national
decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Tom Wakefield
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-2445
Cellular: (604) 218-4395
