Broadband Internet availability confirmed in 21 communities in Montérégie

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

News Release

Quotes

“The Québec branché program is a high-impact initiative that meets the growing needs of rural areas for broadband Internet services. The TARGO Communications project represents a significant step toward connecting communities in the Jardins-de-Napierville, Beauharnois-Salaberry, Haut‑Richelieu and Roussillon RCMs. It will contribute to the region’s ability to attract and retain families and businesses. I would like to highlight the commitment of regional players to our collective prosperity.”
– Stéphane Billette, Quebec Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, Regulatory Streamlining and Regional Economic Development

“This is great news for Saint-Philippe and Saint-Mathieu, two municipalities in the region that have been waiting for this news for several years. With this announcement, residents of these two communities will now be able to have access to high-speed Internet.”
– Jean-Claude Poissant, Member of Parliament for La Prairie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“This major investment will undoubtedly have considerable positive effects on the vitality and economic growth of our region. I am certain that this project to expand high-speed Internet access will be beneficial to residents and businesses in Montérégie.”
– Richard Merlini, Member of the National Assembly for La Prairie

“The federal Connect to Innovate program gives Canadians the technological tools needed to fully participate in the digital world, no matter where they live. Today’s announcement will enable residents of Montérégie to be part of solid communities that are well connected to the world. We will continue to build infrastructure that helps provide well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.”
– Jean Rioux, Member of Parliament for Saint-Jean

“Today’s announcement is some of the best news I’ve heard for Châteauguay–Lacolle since I was elected. The issue of Internet connectivity has been a priority for me since 2015 because it affects 12 of our 15 municipalities. I’ve worked tirelessly with the rural caucus and the digital caucus to ensure that our government develops a flexible program that meets the needs of rural communities. We know that access to quality service is essential for promoting economic development, improving residents’ quality of life, retaining young people and attracting families. And that is exactly what the combination of the federal Connect to Innovate program and the provincial Québec branché program offers.”
– Brenda Shanahan, Member of Parliament for Châteauguay-Lacolle

“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’s why, in its recent economic update, the Government of Quebec announced an investment of $300 million over the next five years so that 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 is not a luxury; it’s essential. High-speed Internet services are basic tools that all Canadians should have access to, regardless of their postal code. 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 better able to seize the opportunities offered by the digital economy.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“The Jardins-de-Napierville RCM is pleased to announce that the steps taken by elected officials on government projects have been successful. We would like to thank the federal and provincial governments for responding to our citizens, our agricultural, commercial and industrial businesses, and our organizations throughout the region. Their need for reliable, fast Internet technology is great—not only for economic development but also for easier access to education and health services, among other things. It gives us great pride, as elected representatives, to see our efforts come to fruition for the well-being and fabric of our community.”
– Paul Viau, Reeve, Jardins-de-Napierville RCM

Quick Facts

• On December 4, 2017, Quebec Minister Stéphane Billette announced the 14 communities in the Haut-Saint-Laurent RCM targeted by the TARGO Communications project, which affects 35 communities in Montérégie (link to French web page).

• The Québec branché program, which has initially been allocated $100 million, is one of the pillars of the Digital Economy Action Plan and the Quebec Digital Strategy (all links are to French web pages). The Quebec Digital Strategy will be released on December 13, 2017: #StratNumQc.

• The Government of Canada’s $500-million Connect to Innovate program will extend and enhance broadband service in rural and remote Canadian communities.

Contacts

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Contatcts

Jean‑Pierre McKenzie
Political Attaché
Office of the Member for Huntingdon and the Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, Regulatory Streamlining and Regional Economic Development
450-247‑3474

Alexandre Lampron
Political Attaché
Office of the Member for La Prairie
450-619-7313

Gabrielle Tellier
Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Premier of Quebec, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy
418-691-5650

Karl W. Sasseville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Information

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

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