Harper Government Investment in Technology Infrastructure Supports Jobs, Growth and Prosperity in Northern Ontario’s First Nation Communities

Press Releases

February 13, 2015 — Sioux Lookout — Industry Canada/FedNor

The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), announced today an investment to complete network upgrades to deliver enhanced mobile wireless service to 23 First Nations across Northern Ontario.

A repayable FedNor contribution of $825,000 will enable K-Net Services, a division of Keewaytinook Okimakanak (Northern Chiefs Council), to enhance its network, allowing the organization to meet the immediate cellular and data transfer needs of its business and residential clients. Specifically, the funding will be used to purchase and install a core switch, radio network controller and short message service system at K-Net’s operating centre in Sioux Lookout.

Quick Facts

• This strategic investment builds on the federal government’s Digital Canada 150, a comprehensive approach to ensuring Canada can take full advantage of the opportunities of the digital age.
• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
• Since 2006, through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, the Harper Government has invested $343 million in support of more than 1,645 projects. These investments have supported more than 21,500 jobs throughout Northern Ontario.

Quotes

“Investing in technology infrastructure to ensure the people, businesses and communities of Northern Ontario are connected to the global economy is a strategic priority for our Government. I am confident that today’s announcement will help pave the way for job creation, sustainable economic growth and long-term prosperity in First Nation communities throughout the region.”

– The Honourable Greg Rickford
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario

“Today’s announcement demonstrates confidence in our organization and how the Government of Canada is investing to support businesses and improve the everyday lives of the people that live and work in Northern Ontario’s First Nations communities. This investment will help us modernize our mobile network to meet the immediate need for 3G cellular and data services in underserviced areas.”

– Dan Pellerin
Director, K-Net Services
Associated Links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca and follow us on Twitter @FedNor.

Contacts

Alexandra Lemieux
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Greg Rickford
613-996-2007
Alexandra.Lemieux@NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca

Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957 or 1-877-333-6673 Ext 303

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