Mike, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister
of Industry, spoke on behalf of Industry Minister James Moore, at the 4th
Annual Canadian ISP Summit in Toronto on November 5. The ISP Summit is an
opportunity for all service providers to network and discuss issues of interest
to the industry. Mike provided details of the Connecting Canadians program and
Digital Canada 150, and how the government is helping Canada take full
advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital economy.
Launched on July 22, 2014, the Connecting Canadians program is a key component
of Digital Canada 150, the Government of Canada’s plan to help guide our
country’s digital future.
Through Connecting Canadians, the Government will invest up to $305 million to
address gaps in the delivery of high-speed Internet at speeds of at least 5
megabits per second (Mbps) to households in rural and remote areas across the
country. The program also includes $50 million for a dedicated northern
component targeting remote, satellite-dependent communities in Nunavut and the
Nunavik region of northern Quebec, which was announced by Prime Minister Harper
on August 25, 2014.
On October 15, 2014, Connecting Canadians began accepting applications from
eligible
Internet service providers (ISP). To help applicants identify areas with slower
access in which to undertake projects to extend or enhance broadband coverage,
Industry Canada has published updated Internet coverage maps on the Connecting
Canadians website following an extensive mapping consultation with Canadians,
ISPs, and provincial and territorial governments.
Until January 12, 2015, eligible ISPs can submit proposals for projects to
extend or enhance Internet service to households that do not currently have
access to high-speed Internet. The Connecting Canadians website provides an
application tool kit to assist interested ISPs in completing the application
process. For more information on the program, please visit the Connecting Canadians website.