BRUCE COUNTY – The governments of Canada and Ontario, in partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc., have started construction on a significant broadband infrastructure project on the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, that will see nearly 300 families, farms and businesses receive improved access to fast, reliable high-speed internet.
“Reliable broadband infrastructure is a necessity for the growth and prosperity of rural, remote and Indigenous communities,” said the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Our partnership with the Government of Ontario is ensuring homes and businesses in the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation community are able to have greater access to educational and employment opportunities, and improved access to Telehealth services.”
Both the federal and provincial governments have each invested more than $429,000 into this project that is expected to be completed by June of 2023.
This announcement builds on the Ontario governments plan to connect every community to high-speed internet by 2025.
“I am proud our government continues to deliver on our commitment to expand access to high-speed internet to rural Ontario and Indigenous communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Projects like this on the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, are crucial to building stronger communities, helping families stay in touch, and providing access to essential services.”
This enhanced high-speed infrastructure will help farms and businesses in the community attract new customers, grow their operations and create new jobs, while also enabling people improved access to connect online to work, learn and access vital services.
“Since day one, our government has worked to address gaps in important community infrastructure in Indigenous and rural communities,” said Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “Today, we are pleased to partner with the federal government to increase access to fast, reliable high-speed internet to nearly 300 families and businesses in the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. We recognize the unique challenges that Indigenous communities face and are committed to providing tailored supports that encourage growth and prosperity.”
The contract to expand broadband services in the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, was awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc., a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario. More than $255 million has been invested by the governments of Canada and Ontario and the private sector to bring high-speed internet to more than 63,000 households and businesses in Southwestern Ontario.
