Cornwall, Ontario, July 24, 2008 - The expansion of rural broadband coverage in southern and eastern Ontario has been identified as a priority by the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario under Building Canada, the Government of Canada's long-term infrastructure plan.
Both governments today signed a Framework Agreement worth more than $6.2 billion under Building Canada.
"In this age of e-business and e-health, providing and expanding broadband services to rural communities in southern and eastern Ontario are key to ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of these communities and their residents," said Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MP Guy Lauzon. "I'm really pleased to see this project has been identified as a key priority under Building Canada, since it will have a positive impact on communities in the Cornwall area."
The Canada-Ontario Framework Agreement announcement was made this morning in London, Ontario, by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Dwight Duncan, Ontario Minister of Finance.
"I'm truly happy we've signed the Framework Agreement with the Province of Ontario," said Canada's Environment Minister John Baird. "It will greatly benefit our cities and communities by helping ensure a more competitive economy, stronger communities, a cleaner environment, and a more prosperous Ontario."
The Framework Agreement sets the stage for a collaborative investment in infrastructure needs in Ontario. Under this Agreement, approximately $3.09 billion from the Building Canada Fund, a centrepiece of the overall plan, will go towards infrastructure initiatives in Ontario through two components: more than $2.73 billion in funding will support larger-scale projects; while under the Communities Component, $362 million in funding will be available for partnership investments in communities with populations less than 100,000.
Canada and Ontario will be working together with rural communities to identify potential projects to expand broadband coverage.
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.
For further information on the Building Canada plan and the Canada-Ontario Framework Agreement, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
For further information contact:
Karine White
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Eric Duncan
Office of MP Guy Lauzon
613-937-3331
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
