Government of Canada Invests in Northern Connectivity

Funding will provide significant network upgrades for the Gwich'in Tribal Council

YELLOWKNIFE, Feb. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council

Minister Aglukkaq today announced funding to help the Gwich'in Tribal Council (GTC) upgrade and standardize its Information Technology (IT) environment, building a reliable network that will span four communities in the Gwich'in Settlement Area: Inuvik, Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic and Aklavik.

These efforts will improve communications within the GTC and the aforementioned communities. It will increase the speed and scope of document sharing and enhance connectivity between community government offices by enabling video conferencing and improved data sharing methods. The upgraded IT network will also offer community members the benefit of enhanced access to education, job search and career development opportunities, as well as health and wellness programs.

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its Northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

Quick Facts

• This project will create jobs locally through hiring suppliers, technicians and contractors located in the North.
  
  
• The Government of Canada recognizes the important role high-speed broadband connectivity can play in fostering and supporting economic development and sustainable communities in Canada's North.
  
  
• Enhanced communications between remote northern communities and the rest of the world has the potential to increase business opportunities, improve the delivery of community services, boost public safety, and ensure that Northerners have the opportunity to communicate in ways available elsewhere in Canada.
  
  
  

"Our Government is proud to invest in projects that improve access and reliability of connectivity in communities, which is essential to the long-term economic growth and prosperity of Canada's North."

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic
Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

"The Gwich'in Tribal Council would like to thank CanNor for its support and assistance, which will help the GTC and the communities better serve our people and for our people to take advantage of services, such as online educational programs, that were not there before."

Robert A. Alexie
President
Gwich'in Tribal Council

Associated Links

• http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1385051304091/1385051462095
  
  

SOURCE: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

For further information:

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Jennifer Kennedy
819-997-1441

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Christina Gray
Communications Advisor, NWT Region
867-766-8435

Gwich'in Tribal Council
Suraj Chhetri
IT Consultant
867-777-7929

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

For more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: northernstrategy.ca