Press Release
From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Governments of Canada and Alberta are working to eliminate the digital divide and connect 100% of Albertans to reliable high-speed Internet
March 9, 2022 – Edmonton, Alberta
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that Canadians across the country need access to reliable high-speed Internet to work, do business, learn, and stay in touch with friends and family from home. That is why the governments of Canada and Alberta announced in December 2021 that they were providing up to $300 million in joint funding to connect rural Alberta communities to high-speed Internet.
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, together with the Honourable Nate Glubish, Minister of Service Alberta, announced that the Government of Canada will bring its total funding commitment for connectivity in Alberta to up to $390 million.
The initial estimated cost to eliminate Alberta’s digital divide was $1 billion. Recognizing the potential to do more, and given the effectiveness of the two levels of government working together, they have increased their combined funding commitment to $780 million from the combined $300 million previously announced.
The governments of Canada and Alberta recognize the important role access to high-speed Internet will have in the economic recovery following the pandemic. Collaborating to provide better Internet services to Albertans living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities will help create jobs and contribute to the economic growth of the entire province. As Alberta continues to rebuild from the pandemic, both governments continue to make investments in infrastructure to build strong communities and a more competitive and resilient province—and nation—for everyone.
Quotes
“We need to close this connection gap and ensure that every nook and cranny of Alberta has access to reliable high-speed Internet. That’s why today’s announcement to increase funding to $780 million to connect all remaining underserved households in the province is a historic milestone for Alberta. The Government of Canada will continue to make investments like these to help connect every Canadian and achieve our national target of connecting 98% of Canadians by 2026 and 100% by 2030.”
– The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development
“Alberta has made a historic funding commitment of $390 million over four years to help eliminate the digital divide. I’m so excited to have the federal government joining us as partners to match that commitment, pushing the total investment to $780 million. As we work with the private sector partners that will build this infrastructure, we know they will have significant financial contributions to make. We anticipate these additional contributions will push broadband investment north of $1 billion. With this funding agreement in place, we can focus on reviewing funding applications and getting shovels in the ground this spring so we can bring immediate relief to Albertans all across the province.”
– The Honourable Nate Glubish, Minister of Service Alberta
Quick facts
Contacts
Luka Vujic
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
343-571-9582
luka.vujic@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
media@ised-isde.gc.ca
Lindsay Milligan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Service Alberta
780-910-3718
lindsay.milligan@gov.ab.ca
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