Government of Canada invests in project to bring high speed Internet to all Manitoba First Nations

WINNIPEG, July 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada is working in partnership with First Nations to improve the quality of life on reserves and in remote and isolated communities.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, announced $4.2 million for the next phase of a project to bring high speed Internet access to all Manitoba First Nations and surrounding communities.

Funding will support design and planning for an Internet network that will bring affordable, dependable, high speed Internet to all 63 Manitoba First Nations, and 189 other Manitoba communities and municipalities.

The Building the Manitoba First Nations Network of the Future project is managed by the Manitoba First Nations Technology Council (MFNTC) under Nanaandawewigamig, the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba.

Quotes

"Many remote Manitoba First Nation c‎ommunities, particularly the youth, are held back by unreliable and slow Internet access. This project will provide access to key educational, health, social and community development resources, and will connect Manitoba First Nations people with the Canadian and global community. This investment is essential to the success of the entire community, especially Indigenous youth. We are very pleased to continue to work with the Manitoba First Nations Technology Council and the other partners on this project."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"High speed Internet is an essential resource in today's connected world. The benefits of this project will be felt throughout Manitoba."

Terry Duguid
Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South

"In order for all Manitoba First Nations to benefit and progress for the future, we need to be connected to the world."

Chief Nelson Genaille, Sapotaweyak Cree Nation
MFNTC Co-Chair

"Connecting Manitoba First Nations and surrounding communities will dramatically improve the quality of life for those people by increasing opportunities in Health, Social Services, Education, Economic Development and other Sectors."

Chief David Crate, Fisher River Cree Nation
MFNTC Co-Chair

"Times of change, we will no longer be left behind."

Chief Cathy Merrick, Pimicikimak Cree Nation
Nanaandawewigamig Chairperson

Quick Facts

• The work for this phase of the project will be completed in 2016-17.
• Planning to extend Manitoba Hydro's existing fibre optic infrastructure to remote communities will be the starting point of this phase of the project.
• Once this extension is completed, Internet Service Providers will be able to use this fibre optic infrastructure to deliver Internet service at the community level.

Related Product

Backgrounder: Building the Manitoba First Nations Network of the Future

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160, Communication Specialist, First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, 204-946-9745