“Connecting Canadians”: Reinforce Canada’s digital economy 

Despite that, there are still some Canadians living in rural and northern regions who do not have Internet access.

Mike Lake, parliamentary secretary to the minister of industry, addressed this issue at the annual Canadian ISP Summit in Toronto. Lake discussed the government’s digital economy plan, and several projects will be announced in spring 2015.

Connecting Canadians, a federal program, will provide Internet access to 280,000 homes in the remote regions of the country. Additionally, the government will partner with service vendors to expand service and reach these rural areas.

“The call for applications under Connecting Canadians marks an important phase in our plan to bring the benefits of high-speed Internet to more than a quarter-million Canadian households, some for the first time,” Lake said. “Providing Canadians with access to broadband Internet for learning, business opportunities and so much more is key to a more connected digital Canada. I encourage ISPs to consider this program, to extend services and to create new opportunities for Canadians.”

The program also offers incentives for the private sector to extend digital infrastructure in these regions. This venture will pave way for new economic opportunities and new jobs, products and services.

It delivers on the government’s commitment in Economic Action Plan 2014 and in October 2014 opened the application period opened for Internet service providers (ISP). Applicants are open until January 12, 2015.