Archived News Releases

News Release - Canada and Manitoba

September 20, 2007

Federal-Provincial Agreement Provides Public Internet Access Sites With Close To $1 Million In Support



Manitoba communities and organizations will once again have access to funding of close to $1 million for public Internet access sites through the Community Connections program, Industry Canada Minister Jim Prentice and Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau announced today.
 
“Canada’s New Government fully appreciates the many positive advances the Community Access Program (CAP) has made since its launch in 1994,” said Prentice.  “The program, its volunteers and partners such as Manitoba, have made valuable contributions to communities across Canada by providing access to, and the use of, computers and the Internet.”
 
“Community Connections is an excellent example of governments working in partnership with communities and the private sector to help Manitobans wherever they live,” said Rondeau.  “I want to thank everyone who has shared in the vision of connecting individuals and communities via the Internet.”
 
In support of CAP, Industry Canada will provide $582,740 to Community Connections, while Manitoba Science, Technology, Energy and Mines will provide $200,000 in cash and another $200,000 of in-kind support. 
 
Funding for access sites covers the cost of connection, computer hardware, software support, promotion and training for users of the site.  Local students are hired to show users how to create their own web sites, receive and send e-mail and do business
online.
 
Community groups interested in renewing their agreements to sponsor an access site will soon be receiving a renewal package. Eligible organizations include schools, community centres, friendship centres and libraries.
 
Agreement renewal forms are available in English and French by calling
204-945-8527 or toll-free 1-866-896-0938.
 
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