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.

“Canadians living in rural communities have told us that to be competitive in the 21st century, they first and foremost need access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet. Being connected is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Canada’s Connectivity Strategy is the federal government’s plan to ensure that, over time, all Canadians will have access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet, no matter where they live. Investments like the one announced today help grow our local economies, build stronger and more inclusive communities, and safeguard the environment and the health of Canadians for years to come. By investing in the infrastructure that communities need, our government is creating the conditions that will enable all Canadians to reach their full potential and share in our nation’s prosperity.”
– The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality

“Broadband Internet service is key for the prosperity of rural Canadian communities. This project will allow residents in these communities to be better connected to friends, family, school 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

“Nexicom is pleased to partner with the federal government to improve broadband services in Warsaw and surrounding areas. This partnership will help us provide the residents of these areas with the services they need to fully participate in the digital world and take advantage of the social, economic and educational opportunities that exist today.”
– Clayton Zekelman, President, Nexicom

• In Budget 2019, the Government proposed historic investments of up to $6 billion for high-speed connectivity and committed to topping up Connect to Innovate as 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. Announcements on further investments will be forthcoming.

• 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.

• Through 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: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

Émilie Simard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
613-864-7690
emilie.simard3@canada.ca

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

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