Released on May 16, 2002
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will provide more than $4.47million to install high speed Internet access to 162 libraries throughout
the province.
Industry Minister Allan Rock, Minister of State and Leader of the
Government in the House of Commons Ralph Goodale and Saskatchewan
Government Relations Minister Ron Osika today announced the funding to the
Saskatchewan Library Trustees Association through the Canada-Saskatchewan
Infrastructure Program (CSIP) to complete phase two of the CommunityNet
initiative, extending high speed Internet access to public libraries.
"CommunityNet will mean improved quality of service, giving Saskatchewan
residents affordable opportunities for innovative learning, skills
development, access to government services and business creation," Rock
said.
"Innovation depends on the creativity and talents of people," Goodale
said. "We must not only invest in technology, but in an environment of
inclusion. Through the infrastructure program, the Government of Canada is
connecting Saskatchewan residents, especially those in rural and remote
areas, to the tools they need to participate fully in the economy, tools
that spark innovation and growth."
"The Internet has become increasingly important in the lives of
Saskatchewan people for educational, communication and entertainment
purposes," Osika said. "This project will help to ensure that the more
than fifty percent of Saskatchewan residents without computers in their
homes will have access to high quality Internet services through community
libraries."
"The Saskatchewan Library Trustees Association is delighted that the
federal and provincial governments have supported our proposal to extend
high speed Internet access to 162 public libraries in Saskatchewan. High
speed access is essential to the effective delivery of library programs and
services in the 21st century," Saskatchewan Library Trustees Association
President Isabelle Butters said.
The first priority for infrastructure investment through the CSIP is green
municipal projects such as water and wastewater developments and upgrades.
Other priorities under the program include high-speed Internet access for
local public institutions, supporting rural and remote telecommunications,
local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities,
infrastructure supporting tourism and affordable housing.
CommunityNet, a $71 million Government of Saskatchewan initiative, extends
high speed Internet to 834 educational facilities, 310 health facilities,
86 First Nations schools and 256 government offices in 366 communities.
Federal funding for this infrastructure project was provided for in the
December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing
financial framework.
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For more information, contact:
Cathie Kryzanowski Joanne Mysak
Government Relations Western Economic Diversification Canada
Regina Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 787-8890 Phone: (306) 975-5942
Selena Beattie John Embury
Office of Allan Rock Office of Ralph Goodale
Minister of Industry Phone: (613) 952-4930
Phone: (613) 995-9001