Highlights important new investments in rural broadband
February 20, 2014 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Office of the Minister of Industry
Minister of State (Finance) Kevin Sorenson today highlighted Economic Action Plan 2014 and what it means for jobs and growth in Saskatchewan at an event hosted by Cervus Equipment. Joined by Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon–Rosetown–Biggar, Minister of State Sorenson focused on specific investments made in the Action Plan, most notably in rural broadband, that will help businesses, families and communities across Saskatchewan prosper.
Economic Action Plan 2014 will invest $305 million over five years to expand and enhance access to high-speed broadband networks to a target speed of 5 megabits per second for up to 280,000 Canadian households, which represents near universal access. Canadians in rural areas expect to have access to the same applications and Internet services as those in urban centres. The Minister of State made it clear that the Government of Canada's priority is to see that Canadians, regardless of where they live, have access to the Internet at speeds of at least 5 megabits per second.
Economic Action Plan 2014 is focused on what matters most to Canadians—jobs and growth. Minister of State Sorenson underlined that the Government will make these investments in broadband, while remaining focused on returning to balanced budgets and ensuring no new taxes for businesses and families.
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Jake Enwright
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
media-relations@ic.gc.ca