Today, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development; together with the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Yvonne Jones, MP for Labrador, announced funding for Bell Canada to bring high-speed internet access to 694 households in the communities of Charlottetown, Lodge Bay, Mary’s Harbour, Port Hope-Simpson and Red Bay.
These new projects are part of a historic agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada. On February 21, 2022, the governments announced their collaboration to support high-speed internet projects that will connect all remaining rural households in the province, which is being made possible by a joint federal-provincial investment of up to $136 million.
The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada recognize the important role that access to high-speed internet will have in the economic recovery from the pandemic. Collaborating to provide better internet services to residents of rural, remote and northern communities in Newfoundland and Labrador will help create jobs and contribute to the economic growth of the entire province.
Quotes
“Our governments are committed to the people of Labrador and supporting all rural areas of the province in securing reliable high speed internet access. This is a great day for these communities, and we look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“We need to close the connectivity gap and ensure that every nook and cranny of Newfoundland and Labrador has access to reliable high-speed internet. Today’s announcement to connect more than 690 rural households in five communities in the province is great news for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Investments like these help create jobs, improve access to health care and online learning services, enhance safety and keep us connected to our loved ones. The Government of Canada will continue to make investments like these to help achieve our national target of connecting 98 percent of Canadians by 2026 and 100 percent by 2030.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development
“Providing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with reliable high speed internet access is a priority. Our $136 million collaboration with the Federal Government demonstrates our commitment to making this a reality for areas throughout the province, including the Labrador communities announced today.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
“This is excellent news for Labrador as a whole! The pandemic has shown us how essential high-speed internet access has become. The Government of Canada understands that it is urgent and vital to connect rural and remote regions throughout Canada, including in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador
“We are pleased to continue our investment partnership with the Government of Canada to expand Bell’s all-fibre network. As the country’s largest investor in network infrastructure, including here in Newfoundland and Labrador and across the Atlantic region, Bell continues to deliver on our goal of advancing how Canadians connect with each other and the world.”
Glen LeBlanc
Bell CFO and Vice Chair, Atlantic Canada
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Learn more
Connecting Rural Households in Newfoundland and Labrador to High-Speed Internet
High-speed Internet for all of Canada
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Jeremy Bellefeuille
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
343-551-0898
jeremy.bellefeuille@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca