Canadians understand the importance of building communities. They have always invested in ways to better connect with each other—from the St. Lawrence Seaway to the national railroad system to the Trans-Canada Highway. Those investments now need to reflect the increasingly digital world.

“Broadband Internet service is key for the prosperity of rural Canadian communities. This project will allow residents of rural communities in New Brunswick to be better connected to friends, family and businesses, as well as have better access to online services and tools. By providing better broadband connections, we are increasing the potential for economic growth and diversification and enhancing the quality of life in small and rural communities.”
– The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development

• Of the $889,523 investment in high-speed Internet announced today:

  • $664,893 will come from the Connect to Innovate program;
  • $67,300 will come from the Government of New Brunswick; and
  • $157,330 will come from Bell Canada.

• The Government has proposed an ambitious plan to ensure that each household in every community across Canada, no matter how rural or remote, has access to high-speed Internet and mobile wireless services.

• In Budget 2019, the Government proposed historic investments of up to $6 billion for high-speed connectivity. New investments in the Connect to Innovate program are a key part of this funding.

• Through Connect to Innovate, the Government is extending high-speed Internet service to over 900 rural and remote communities, of which 190 are Indigenous. Connect to Innovate projects have the potential to impact up to 380,000 households. Further investments will be announced shortly.

• In partnership with the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), the Government of Canada has launched a quick and easy Internet speed test. This test will provide CIRA and the Government with the data needed to help expand high-speed networks to rural, remote, northern and underserved communities across Canada.

• Rural Opportunity, National Prosperity: An Economic Development Strategy for Rural Canada outlines ways to maximize federal investments to improve the quality and resiliency of community infrastructure, create good jobs, support trade and investment, strengthen skills, and welcome newcomers in rural communities.

• As a result of the $180-billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, Canada’s rural and northern communities are benefiting from the renewal of public infrastructure, which includes investments in roads, bridges and highways; water treatment systems; cleaner, more affordable sources of electricity; stormwater systems; and natural barriers that reduce the risk of flooding brought on by extreme weather events.

  • $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities; and
  • $400 million is being delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to deliver cleaner, more affordable electricity to residents living in Canada’s territories.

Related products

• Rural Opportunity, National Prosperity: An Economic Development Strategy for Rural Canada
• High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy

Associated links

• Budget Plan 2019
• Connect to Innovate
• Announced Connect to Innovate projects
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

Kendra Wilcox
Acting Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
343-549-8856
kendra.wilcox@canada.ca

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
1-877-250-7154 (toll-free)
infc.media.infc@canada.ca

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