Pembroke, Ontario – Cheryl Gallant, M.P. for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, was pleased to announce the launch of the $305 Million rural broadband internet expansion program, “Connecting Canadians”. Connecting Canadians’ goal is to bring high-speed Internet access to an additional 280,000 Canadian households in rural and remote communities. The program is part of the larger “Digital Canada 150” series of initiatives by the Federal Government, designed to bring all Canadians fully into the digital era by the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.
“All Canadians, regardless of where they live, should have full, affordable access to wireless technologies and high-speed internet networks,” said MP Gallant. “As our economy moves into the internet, it is vital that all small and medium sized businesses are able to keep up with this trend. This $305 Million investment in rural broadband, over the next five years, will help all businesses in the Upper Ottawa Valley bring their products and services to the digital marketplace.”
“Over the next few weeks, I am looking for public feedback to identify those properties that are most in need of greater access to high-speed Internet. Today, I met with the founding members of the Ottawa Valley North Zone of the Ontario Landowners Association. One of their priorities is promoting the expansion of broadband coverage to the area northwest of Petawawa. All members of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke are encouraged to provide input as to the speed and quality of internet access in their communities,” added MP Gallant.
If you are interested in providing feedback on internet quality in your community, or your would like to read more about the Connecting Canadians Program, please, visit my website www.cherylgallant.com and click on the Connecting Canadians tab.