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Faster internet coming to northwest communities

Investment of $2.06 million to improve connectivity
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Investment by the federal government and Bell Canada will bring faster internet service to three communities in northwestern Ontario. (Stock photo)

A trio of northwestern Ontario communities is expected to have better high-speed internet access following a federal government funding announcement.

On Aug. 27, Bernadette Jordan, minister of rural economic development, announced more than $1.3 million from the Connect to Innovate program to bring improved high-speed internet access to Dubreuilville, Brunswick House First Nation and Red Rock Indian Band.

That announcement is being supplemented with $763,308 from Bell Canada, for a total investment of $2.06 million.

“Connecting people and places is key to providing opportunities for all Canadians,” Jordan said in a news release.

“Improving local roads and bridges and providing Northern Ontarians with internet connectivity will support the long-term success and prosperity of these communities.”

The funding was previously announced in Budget 2019 as part of the government’s Connect to Innovate strategy, which proposes extending high-speed internet service to more than 900 rural and remote communities, including 190 Indigenous communities.

The government said additional announcements on further investments would be forthcoming.