Today, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, along with Yvonne Jones, MP for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, announced $231,756 in combined federal and provincial funding for the Community Recreation Rebroadcasting Service Association (CRRS) to bring high-speed Internet access to 664 households in Wabush and Labrador City. This project is expected to be completed in May 2023.
This funding is part of an existing agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada. In February 2022, both governments announced a historic partnership to invest up to $136 million to connect all remaining rural, remote and Indigenous households in the province to high-speed Internet.
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.
Today’s announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s progress toward making sure that 98 percent of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100 percent by 2030.
Quotes
“The historic $136 million partnership between the Federal and Provincial Governments helps diversify our economy and supports the well-being of citizens. An investment in connectivity services is an investment in communities and people, and providing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with reliable high-speed Internet access remains a priority for our government.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Never have we been more aware of the need for connectivity, especially in rural and remote communities. Access to reliable high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. I am delighted that collaboration with our federal partners and a focused plan are closing the connectivity gap in communities such as Wabush and Labrador City, and we will ensure this work continues in other Labrador communities that need improved Internet services.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
“We all know that Internet is no longer a luxury in this day and age—it’s a necessity. 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 about connecting over 650 households is great news for Labradorians. Having fast, reliable Internet helps people in rural communities access essential services, use streaming services, study online or simply connect with loved ones. Our government will continue to ensure every Canadian, no matter where they live, has access to high-speed Internet by 2030.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development
“For too many living in Wabush, reliable Internet continues to be out of reach. Our government knows that Internet access is far from a luxury; it’s an essential service that many Labradorians rely on in order to stay connected to loved ones, study for school and run their businesses. Today’s announcement will help connect 664 households in Wabush to reliable high-speed Internet and brings us one step closer to our national goal of connecting 98 percent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians by 2026.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador
“As we are a community-owned not-for-profit, these types of funds are especially important and beneficial to us and our communities. It has always been our mandate to provide the best possible service experience to our members, and this funding from the Universal Broadband Fund allows us to ensure that all of our members will have access to our highest level of service.”
Robert Burton
Operations Manager, Community Recreation Rebroadcasting Service Association
-30-
Learn more
Connecting Rural Households in Newfoundland and Labrador to High-Speed Internet
High-speed Internet for all of Canada
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @IET_GovNL
Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Hugo Alvarez
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
343-551-7846
hugo.alvarez@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca