March 17, 2023 – Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
All Canadians need reliable, affordable high-speed Internet and cellular service, no matter where they live. That is why the Government of Canada is taking action to bring high-speed Internet access and mobile connectivity to unserved and underserved regions across the province.
Today, the Honorable Minister Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, announced up to $37 million in funding for projects that will bring high-speed Internet access and mobile connectivity to communities across Saskatchewan. Thanks to this funding, over 5,000 homes in Northern Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, Saskatoon–Biggar, Regina–Moose Mountain and Yorkton–Melville, including over 2,700 homes in Indigenous communities, will benefit from improved high-speed Internet access, and mobile connectivity will be improved up to 500 kilometers of highway.
Today’s announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s progress toward ensuring that 98% of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100% by 2030.
Quotes
“We all know that Internet and mobile connectivity are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity. That’s why our government made a historic commitment to connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2026 and why we continue to improve mobile connectivity across the country. Today’s announcement in Meadow Lake marks a significant milestone for connectivity in Saskatchewan. The funding committed will bring reliable high-speed Internet access to more than 5,000 underserved homes in communities across the province.”
- The Honorable Minister Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development
“Today, with the commitment, we are going to be learning. It’s exciting for our students, our communities, our offices, our opportunities with economic development and working together in the tourism industry as well. We appreciate the support and look forward to future endeavors with Canada, our nine First Nations, and our three satellite communities will definitely benefit. So thank you for providing this opportunity from the bottom of my heart. Mahsi Cho”.
- Dene Vice Chief Lawrence McIntyre
