Greetings!
The Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) intake is now underway. Many of you have reached out to us, asking questions about the program and the application process. Our webinars have been well attended. And we have already started receiving applications. More information including the program guide, application templates, FAQs on the program and how to contact us is available on our website – check it out!
Did you know? The Eligibility Mapping Tool is an essential part of any application. Both the Mapping Tool and the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map are built on the same underlying information, but the Mapping Tool allows you to draw or upload your project coverage area. You can access the tool through the Applicant Portal.
Check out the video on how to use the tool and please find below some handy tips:
- Choose the different layer controls to see mapping information in your area – rural road coverage, mobile eligibility, other projects and more.
- Draw a polygon enclosing your proposed coverage area. This polygon must be closed – straight lines will cause an error.
- You do not need to follow each road segment one by one – you can surround the boundaries of your proposed project area.
- Once you review and download your map, the Eligibility Mapping Tool will trigger an automatic overbuild analysis process of that coverage. You will receive an email with your coverage statistics. You need this information for your application.
- Please note, even if you have your own map, you still need to create one using our mapping tool to generate this analysis.
Having problems? Please contact us by telephone: 1-800-328-6189 or email: get-connected@canada.ca
Are you taking the 50 – 30 Challenge?
As many of you know, Canada's greatest resource is its people – and businesses benefit from having the right people in the right places to reflect Canada's diverse population. Yet, the reality is that women, racialized persons, those who identify as LGBTQ2, Indigenous persons, and people living with disabilities are under-represented in positions of economic influence and leadership, including on corporate boards and in senior management.
On October 19, Minister Bains announced that the Government of Canada is partnering with private sector and diversity organizations to develop a 50-30 Challenge to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within corporate Canada.
Participating companies and not-for-profits will agree to voluntarily take action towards achieving and supporting diversity and inclusion within their organization. The objective of the challenge is to advance diversity and inclusion with the aim of improving the under-representation on corporate boards and in senior management of women and under-represented groups, and, over time, to strive to reach 50% gender parity and 30% representation of under-represented groups in senior positions – including racialized persons, those who identify as LGBTQ2S+, people living with disabilities, as well as First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
The Challenge is an opportunity to champion an important and growing effort in the Canadian business world. If your organization is interested in participating in the Challenge, please visit our 50 – 30 Challenge webpage to sign-up or to learn more.
Last tip for this e-blast – are you having trouble accessing the ISED Broadband Connection secure website? Make sure to use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, keep clearing your cache and try again. It works, we promise!