Minister of State Holder and MP O'Neill Gordon announce major investment that will bring fast, reliable Internet services to communities across the province
July 30, 2015 – Miramichi, New Brunswick – Industry Canada
Everyday tasks that were once done in person, such as shopping, communicating, learning and banking, are now done online. To help Canadian communities, businesses and families have better access to these and many other online opportunities, the Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), and Tilly O'Neill Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, today announced that the Government of Canada will invest up to $5.99 million to connect over 19,000 homes across New Brunswick to faster Internet services.
Minister of State Holder and Ms. O'Neill Gordon highlighted that more than 2,500 households in the Miramichi area will benefit from the investment announced today. Funding will be provided to two recipients: Bell Aliant and Xplornet. Bell Aliant will receive $3.07 million to connect more than 3,300 homes across the province, and Xplornet will receive $2.92 million to connect more than 16,000. All broadband infrastructure projects in New Brunswick are expected to be completed by July 1, 2017, delivering Internet download speeds of at least five megabits per second (Mbps).
For all Canadians, the Internet is a tool that spurs economic growth, broadens opportunities, and connects friends and family from coast to coast to coast. For Canadians who live in communities with slow or no Internet, access to high-speed services will lead to new economic opportunities and the creation of new jobs, products and services.
By Canada's 150th birthday in 2017, over 98 percent of Canadian households will be able to subscribe to new or improved high-speed Internet services, which helps deliver on the Government's commitment to rural Canadians.
Jake Enwright
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Industry
343-291-2500
Media Relations
Industry Canada
343-291-1777
media-relations@ic.gc.ca