The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, Minister responsible for the North and MP of Nunavut is pleased that the Government of Canada is extending broadband coverage across Nunavut.
 
“I am delighted that, many Nunavummiut will soon have access to high-speed Internet service for the first time,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Nunavut stands to benefit from
broadband more than any other jurisdiction in Canada, as hamlets are spread out and most are fly-in communities. This initiative will help to bring communities together, and provide essential infrastructure and jobs.”
 
Northern Broadband Limited will be receiving more than $10.6 million for this project. The initiative is expected to connect 11,779 households in Nunavut. Most businesses and
organizations are already hooked up to broadband in Nunavut. The additional funding will help meet the growing demand for this essential service.
 
The project in Nunavut is one of 52 projects across the country that will receive conditional funding approval under the Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians
program. Budget 2009 — Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided $225 million for the development and implementation of a strategy to extend broadband coverage that mostly targets Canadians living in unserved and underserved areas.
 
For Nunavummiut who will now have access to broadband Internet, this will mean access to important economic and social benefits, including business opportunities and distance learning. More broadly, it will encourage economic development, spur innovation and improve the overall quality of life of Nunavummiut.