We know that for communities to succeed, they need to be connected. They need transit options, as well as access to reliable internet. Today, the Government of Canada is announcing vital supports that will help make rural and northern communities in Manitoba be more connected.
With more than $63 million in funding, the Government of Canada is supporting 9 projects that will deliver modern, reliable infrastructure across rural and northern communities in Manitoba.
Announced by the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Member of Parliament for Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, alongside Grand Chief Alex McDougall of Anisininew Okimawin and Chief Walter Harper of Wasagamack Anisininew Nation. These projects will be essential to unlocking more housing, supporting affordability, and building strong communities.
To help support rural connectivity, more than $61 million will support four high-speed Internet projects through the Universal Broadband Fund, helping connect 2,309 households in 11 rural and remote communities, including more than 2,100 Indigenous households.
An additional five projects will also be supported across Manitoba to invest in active infrastructure and rural transit solutions. This will include replacing busses, and supporting important transit infrastructure. This includes the purchase of a replacement bus to help ensure continued transit services for individuals with accessibility needs in the Town of Arborg.
Better, more reliable connectivity, affordable housing options and strong local infrastructure means better access to essential online services, health care and emergency supports, and economic opportunity. Today's investments will help bridge the divide, and build stronger more connected towns and regions, particularly in Indigenous communities.
