Actions by the Provincial Government Reflect Commitment to Telecommunications

The Provincial Government is a facilitator of greater telecommunications service and through successful partnerships has seen the availability of broadband access increase to more than 470 communities – a 312 per cent increase from 2003. Furthermore, Canada’s telecommunications industry is regulated by the Federal Government. The service itself is delivered by private sector enterprises.

The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, provided this clarification today in response to the third party’s display of a lack of understanding regarding how Canada’s telecommunications sector operates.

“I have tried to make it as simple as possible for opposition parties but they still fail to understand how the telecommunications industry operates,” said Minister Hutchings. “Within a very complex sector, our government’s investments have totalled $27 million and we have levered more than $115 million from other sources. Those strategic partnerships have led to significant improvements in all regions of the province. We have made a commitment over the course of our mandate, to continue to make improvements.”

In 2011, the Provincial Government advanced the Rural Broadband Initiative. Through this initiative, the Provincial Government worked with private sector businesses and the Federal Government to address network capacity issues in Labrador and increase access in rural communities on the island.

“Effective partnerships with industry and the Federal Government have clearly demonstrated how our government’s investments can lever significant dollars from other partners,” said Minister Hutchings. “In the coming year, we will continue that momentum and identify opportunities where our investments can be best maximized and build on the more than $115 million levered to date.”

“Whether it is improvements in broadband or continued support to Newfoundland and Labrador’s business community, this government is a committed partner,” said Minister Hutchings. “It is unwavering. Our support is reflected by our targeted programs and investments that are leading to industry growth and expansion. We also are acting responsibly and advancing initiatives within the current fiscal environment.”

- 30 -

Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2012 04 26             10:45 a.m.