Expanding Economic Opportunities for Rural Canadians: PM Announces Major Improvement to Broadband Internet Access in Rural Areas

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

I'd like to thank the Mayor of Adstock, Hélène Faucher, and the municipal councillors for being here with us today.

I'd also like to thank the Minister of Public Works and Member of Parliament for Mégantic–L'Érable, my friend Christian Paradis, for his kind introduction. 

As the regional minister for Quebec, Christian is responsible for many very important projects underway in the province.

Those include the modernization of the Port of Trois-Rivières, the renovation of the Champlain Bridge in Montreal, and renovations to the Salle Dussault and the water supply system here in Thetford Mines.

Just two days ago, Christian also announced a major federal contribution for the construction of a sports centre in Lac Mégantic.
 
He has also played a key role in today's announcement. 

So let's give him a big round of applause! 

Just over six months ago, our Conservative Government tabled one of the most important budgets in Canada's history. 

Thanks to our Government's sound financial management since taking office in 2006, with the smallest deficit of the major developed countries, we were able to launch the biggest economic recovery plan in our country's history.

Our Economic Action Plan includes some three thousand projects that will put Canadians to work, today, by building the infrastructures we need to ensure greater prosperity tomorrow. 

Which leads me to talk about the Internet, which has revolutionized the way we work, learn and communicate today.

There is probably no infrastructure more critical than the Internet to ensuring the future prosperity of our vast country.

To quote one of the first service providers:  "The Internet has gone from being a technical marvel to a commercial necessity."

While Canada is one the most connected nations in the world, critical gaps in broadband access, particularly in rural and remote areas of the country, still exist.

We cannot allow this disparity in coverage to persist.

It is unfair. 

We cannot allow rural Canadians to fall behind. 

The economic, educational and cultural costs for our country are simply too great. 

That is why I'm pleased to announce today that our Government, in partnership with the private sector, will expand broadband access throughout rural Canada, including right here in your riding, Christian. 

This ambitious initiative will help pave the way for all Canadians, without exception, to access the Information Superhighway.

Planning is almost completed on determining the target areas.
 
By the end of the summer, broadband access will be available in remote communities far away from major centres. 

This initiative will enhance business opportunities, facilitate education, increase access to vital services, including health services, and will thus enhance the quality of life of Canadians living in rural regions, throughout the country.

The Internet is no longer a mere perk, ladies and gentlemen; it’s economically and socially indispensable.

And our Government is committed to ensuring that no Canadian community gets left behind. 

These improvements to the Internet announced today are part of our Economic Action Plan, and are an excellent illustration of the path we have decided to take as a country. 

We Canadians are not sitting idly by as the world grapples with the effects of the global recession. 

We are looking ahead, and capitalizing on economic opportunities. 

Our Plan is drawing on Canada's solid financial position to fund job-creating initiatives throughout the country; initiatives that will strengthen our economy and generate growth for many years to come. 

By looking ahead today and investing in critical infrastructure like broadband access, we are seizing opportunities that will help us get through this difficult period, and ensure that our country comes out of this global recession stronger than ever. 

Thank you.

All News

---

Related Items