Feds promise high-speed internet to 3,600 more homes in rural Manitoba

The federal government says it’s bringing high-speed internet access to underserved rural communities and First Nations in Manitoba.

Winnipeg MP Dan Vandal, who is also minister of northern affairs, announced Friday that more than $38 million in federal funding is earmarked for four projects aimed at reaching 3,611 households in 14 rural and remote communities.

“Every community in Canada deserves access to high-speed Internet,” Vandal said.

“This announcement is another step our government is taking in delivering on its commitment to ensure every Manitoban has access, no matter where they live.”

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The federal dollars, which come via the $3.25-billion Universal Broadband Fund, are part of the government’s goal to give every Canadian high-speed access by 2030 and connecting 98 per cent of households by 2026.

The government says 94.8 per cent of Canadian households currently have access to high-speed internet, but in Manitoba, that total falls to only 85.4 per cent.

In a statement Friday, Rural Economic Development Minister Gudie Hutchings called the initiative a “historic commitment.”

“Connectivity is an essential tool to access education and health care and to grow a business,” Hutchings said.

0:30 Broadband internet coming to more First Nations and northern communities

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