Making strategic investments in infrastructure projects that meet the specific needs of rural and northern communities is key to building stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone can succeed.

“Through this project, residents and businesses in Antoine-Labelle will have the tools they need to innovate, start a business or explore new markets, learn, have fun and stay in touch with their loved ones. We have big plans to develop our regions because they are the driving force behind our country’s success. That is why we’re committed to developing a rural development strategy to stimulate economic growth and create good middle-class jobs for Canadians in these areas.”

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“We are proud to be contributing to improving people’s quality of life by offering new opportunities for the communities in the 17 municipalities in the Regional County Municipality of Antoine-Labelle. Access to high-speed Internet is not a luxury; it is a necessity in today’s world. Projects like this one foster the creation of dynamic communities and make it possible for more Canadians to participate fully in the digital economy.”

David Graham, Member of Parliament for Laurentides–Labelle

“In 2019, high-speed Internet is essential to the growth of a strong regional economy and the vitality of communities. Reliable and fast Internet service is necessary for businesses that want to further integrate digital technology into their business processes, have an online presence and engage in e-commerce. That is why the Government of Quebec is working to make high-speed Internet available in all regions. Our goal is simple: to empower Quebec and enable the economy to grow to the abilities and ambitions of its citizens and businesses.”

Gilles Bélanger, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economy and Innovation and Member of the National Assembly for Orford

“I am very pleased about this important announcement, which will have a direct impact on the daily lives of many people in the Regional County Municipality of Antoine-Labelle. Access to high-speed Internet, which is essential in today’s world, may be the argument that will convince businesses to set up in the region, or young people to settle here after completing postsecondary studies. The entire region will benefit.”

Chantale Jeannotte, Member of the National Assembly for Labelle

“The Regional County of Antoine-Labelle is working hard to make the Antoine-Labelle connectivity project happen and has been since the official funding announcement by the federal and provincial governments in 2017. Advancements can be expected in the coming weeks that will allow us to stay on course for carrying out the first connections in summer 2019. Providing citizens in our region with high-speed Internet remains our primary objective and is a point of pride for our organization.”

Georges Décarie, Substitute Reeve of Antoine-Labelle RCM

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities. $25.3 billion of this funding is supporting social infrastructure in Canadian communities.

• $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity.

• The Government of Quebec is committed to improving high-speed Internet coverage by installing adequate digital infrastructure in every region of the province. It plans to invest more than $400 million over the next four years to achieve this goal.

Associated links

• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
• Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec
• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• To receive real-time press releases from the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation, subscribe to the appropriate RSS feed (in French only)

Ann-Clara Vaillancourt
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Tel.: 613-697-3778
Email: ann-clara.vaillancourt@canada.ca

Emmanuel Bouchard
Press Secretary
Office of the MNA for Orford
Tel.: 819-847-3911

Anne-Marie Jasmin
Press Secretary
Office of the MNA for Labelle
Tel.: 819-429-5038

For information:

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
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Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
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Web: Infrastructure Canada

Jean-Pierre D’Auteuil
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Quebec’s Department of Economy and Innovation
Tel.: 418 691-5698, ext. 4868
Cell.: 418 559-0710