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NLIS 3
May 18, 2000
(Development and Rural Renewal)

 

Minister congratulates Smart Labrador

Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, congratulated Labrador�s five Regional Economic Development Boards on winning the Industry Canada Smart Community initiative for Newfoundland and Labrador. The award, worth more than $10 million, will link 21 of Labrador�s 32 communities and provide communications links by satellite and wireless technology to previously isolated communities.

"This is a splendid example of how co-operation and partnerships among community groups can benefit the province," said Mr. Tulk. "A great many Labradorians worked together for almost a year to develop this initiative."

When complete the 21 connected sites will provide telemedicine services, distance education, a virtual courtroom, government information, a virtual museum, a heritage mall, online news services and a local Intranet.

For example, these services will provide video connections that will allow doctors to diagnose patients at a distance, provide for court bail hearings in remote communities, and allow students to receive distance education.

"These new technologies will allow Labrador�s five Regional Economic Development Boards to work together more effectively and build on the success of this venture," said Minister Tulk. "I think it appropriate that the innovative people of Labrador have been able to find a 21st century solution to the challenges of communicating over the vast distances of the largest part of our province."

Labrador�s entry was chosen from an original pool of 129 communities across Canada that submitted letters of intent, and was unusual in that instead of focusing on one community it chose to make all of Labrador a smart community.

Media contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Communications, (709) 729-4570.

2000 05 18                                         10:05 a.m.


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