News Release – Rural and remote communities in Nova Scotia will benefit from faster Internet – Digital Nova Scotia – Leading Digital Industry
News Release – Rural and remote communities in Nova Scotia will benefit from faster Internet

May 7, 2018

News release

Residents in 64 communities to get high-speed Internet access thanks to a $26.4-million investment May 4, 2018, Greenwich, Nova Scotia

Internet access is more than just a convenience; communities, businesses and institutions need it to find information, offer services and create opportunities. That’s why the Government of Canada is investing over $17 million through the Connect to Innovate program to bring high-speed Internet access or faster Internet to 64 rural and remote communities and up to 80 institutions in Nova Scotia. Of the 64 communities that will benefit from this investment, one is an Indigenous community.

During a visit to Bishop Hall in Greenwich, Nova Scotia, today, the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, joined by fellow Nova Scotia members of Parliament, announced the funding on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Minister Brison highlighted the federal investment in four projects that will benefit 15 communities and 16 institutions in western Nova Scotia:

  • The Municipality of the County of Kings will receive $5.6 million for a project that will provide 10 communities and 12 institutions with access to high-speed Internet services.
  • Bell Canada will receive $388,331 for three projects that will provide five communities, including one Indigenous community, and four institutions with access to high-speed Internet services.

This investment will help residents of these communities connect with family and friends, do business online, participate in distance education and take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the digital age.

The Government of Canada’s $500-million Connect to Innovate program is investing in building the digital backbone of high-speed Internet networks. Backbone networks are the digital highways that move data in and out of communities. These highways carry large amounts of data that are essential for schools, hospitals, libraries and businesses to function in a digital world.

You can follow this link to read the full new release.