News Release
Bringing Broadband Service To Western James Bay
April 28, 2009
McGuinty Government Providing High-Speed Internet To Three Communities
NEWS
Ontario is helping three First Nations in western James Bay connect to the information highway.
The Mushkegowuk Council is bringing high-speed Internet connectivity to Attawapiskat, Kashechewan and Fort Albany First Nations, the three northernmost communities along the western James Bay coast. Funding from the province is helping with equipment purchases and installation of about 500 kilometres of fibre optic cable to connect the communities.
Access to broadband technology will give residents, businesses and community organizations access to online commercial and educational opportunities as well as access to a range of government and other public services.
QUOTES
“By expanding telecommunications infrastructure to these three remote First Nation communities, we will greatly enhance the lives of the residents by providing them with access to a whole new range of services and benefits of modern technology.”
- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
QUICK FACTS
- The NOHFC is providing an additional $500,000 toward this project under its Emerging Technology Program which invests in telecommunications infrastructure projects that help bring broadband Internet and cellular service to Northern Ontario. In 2007, the NOHFC announced an investment of $1 million in the more than $8 million project.
- The Mushkegowuk Council will establish a community-based entity, called the Western James Bay Telecom Network, to administer the project.
LEARN MORE
- Find out more about the NOHFC’s six programs
- Read about the member communities of the Mushkegowuk Council
Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655
Michel Lavoie, Communications Branch, 705-564-7125
ontario.ca/north-news
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