Nunatsiavut welcomes additional federal funding for high-speed internet
Ottawa announced $10.3 million in additional funding on Tuesday for high-speed internet in Nunatsiavut, an initiative the regional government says is an important step to improving essential services and economic growth.
“This additional funding will enable better access to health care, education and economic opportunities; more productivity for businesses, Inuit Community Governments and organizations; better connections for family members living apart; and overall stronger communities throughout Nunatsiavut,” said Nunatsiavut’s Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology Minister, Tom Evans, in a statement.
Closing connectivity gap in Labrador
Tuesday’s funding announcement is in addition to the $22-million pledged by the federal government in March to link 1,000 households in Nunatsiavut to high-speed internet.
“Providing faster and more reliable Internet to people in rural and remote communities has wide-reaching implications,” Andrew Parsons, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, said.
“By working to close the connectivity gap in Labrador, this additional funding is helping to boost employment opportunities while also advancing access to health care and online learning services.”
Goal to connect all Canadians by 2030
The money comes from the Universal Broadband Fund, set up by Ottawa. The aim of the initiative is to have 98 per cent of Canadians connected to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100 per cent of Canadians assured access by 2030.
“Connecting Indigenous communities to high-speed Internet is a top priority, and this project with the Nunatsiavut Government helps us achieve our goal and honour our commitment to ensuring Indigenous communities are not left behind,” Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Minister of Natural Resources and to the Minister of Northern Affairs, said.
Nunatsiavut, located in the Atlantic Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, has a population of approximately 2,560 people.
It has five communities located along the Atlantic coast: Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville and Rigolet.
Write to Eilís Quinn at eilis.quinn@cbc.ca
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: $123.9 million additional funding announced for high-speed internet in Arctic Quebec, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: New satellites to boost communications in Arctic Norway, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Russian military to get fast, secure internet through trans-Arctic cable, The Independent Barents Observer
United States: $30.3 million grant announced to build up high-speed internet in rural Alaska, Eye on the Arctic
