Quebec Minister André Fortin and federal MP for Pontiac William Amos announce nearly $4 million to connect more than 1,425 households in the Outaouais region to high-speed Internet

News release

Thorne, Quebec, June 30, 2018 – Under the Québec branché and Connect to Innovate programs, the Quebec and federal governments, respectively, are providing a total of $2,003,064 in financial assistance to Bell Canada and Télébec to bring high-speed Internet to 16 communities in the Outaouais region. The total cost of the project is $6,635,075, and it is expected to provide more than 1,425 households in the region with access to high-speed Internet services.

The announcement was made today by André Fortin, Member of the National Assembly for Pontiac and Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification, on behalf of Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, along with William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

The goal of the Québec branché Program and the federal Connect to Innovate program is to provide high-speed Internet services to unserved or underserved regions and communities. Project selection and funding was made jointly by the two programs. In total, more than 80 projects have been selected in 14 regions of Quebec.

List of communities

  • Plage-Baie-Noire
  • Norway Bay
  • Sand Bay
  • Portage-du-Fort
  • Ladysmith
  • Chapeau
  • Low
  • Cawood
  • Lac-Cayamant
  • Thorne Lake
  • Bristol
  • Waltham
  • Chichester
  • Sheenboro
  • Rapides-des-Joachims
  • Denholm

Quotes

"Carrying out this project in the Outaouais region will help businesses that need broadband Internet services to maintain their operations and be more competitive. Families in remote areas that were previously underserved will enjoy a better quality of life. The entire Outaouais region will come away a winner."
– André Fortin, Member of the National Assembly for Pontiac and Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification

"Our rural communities deserve better access to high-speed Internet service. This investment of several million dollars is good news indeed. By investing in digital infrastructure, we are helping to tap into enormous economic potential, thereby fostering the creation of jobs, products and businesses in the Pontiac region. I will continue to work hard to further bridge the digital divide in our region."
– William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac

"Our support for these projects will enable more households and businesses to connect, thereby contributing to Quebec's economic growth and the vitality of its regions. Just like electricity was a driving force in the 20th century, access to broadband Internet is today a powerful driver of digital and socio-economic development. That is why, in its recent economic update, the Government of Quebec announced an investment of $300 million in digital infrastructure so that within the next five, years all residents are able to access high-speed networks."
– Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy

"Access to high-speed Internet service is not a luxury; it's essential. High-speed Internet services are basic tools that all Canadians should have access to, regardless of where they live. Canadians need these services to do business and build stronger communities. The Government of Canada recognizes that innovation takes place everywhere in Canada, both in cities and rural areas. Thanks to our Connect to Innovate program, Canadians will be able to better seize the opportunities offered by the digital economy."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

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Contacts

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Marie-Pier Richard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Sustainable Mobility and
Transport Electrification
Telephone: 418-643-6980

Kim Desert
Assistant Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Premier,
Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the
Digital Strategy
418-691-5650

Mallory Clyne
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Jean-Pierre D'Auteuil
Media Relations Officer
Communications Branch
Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation
418-691-5698, ext. 4868
418-559-0710 (cell)

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca