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$100 million for broadband connectivity in 250 Aboriginal communities

November 27, 2005 - 9:15am | by Anonymous

The investment in broadband telecommunication infrastructure continues to be supported as part of the Aboriginal blueprint laid out at the First Ministers' Meeting this past week in Kelowna. From the information distributed at the First Ministers' Meeting, it appears that Industry Canada's BRAND program will lead the infrastructure development work with the First Nations School program continuing to support the First Nation schools across the country to access and utilize these services. Telehealth is also included as part of the final document as a means of supporting the access to improved health services in Aboriginal communities. See below for links and actual statements from the documents distributed at the First Ministers' Meeting.

From the Government of Canada, Nov 25 Press Release ... GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INVESTS IN IMMEDIATE ACTION TO IMPROVE LIVES OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES IN CANADA

The Government of Canada will also bring broadband access to an additional 250 communities within 10 years.

  • $100 million investment for Broadband for Rural and Northern Development

From the backgrounder on Aboriginal Education

FIRST NATIONS SCHOOLNET (FNS) PROGRAM
An Industry Canada SchoolNet initiative, First Nations SchoolNet connects all First Nations schools under federal jurisdiction to the Internet. By improving the connectivity and technical capacities of First Nations schools, the program aims to bridge the digital divide in First Nations schools located in remote and rural communities.
From the FIRST MINISTERS AND NATIONAL ABORIGINAL LEADERS STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS AND CLOSING THE GAP Statement

These investments will build on the $700 million, already committed at the September 13, 2004 Special Meeting of

  • mental health, suicide and addictions;
  • nutrition and food security;
  • diabetes prevention and treatment;
  • public health;
  • continuing care;
  • telehealth;
  • maternal, child and youth health.

In addressing these priorities, a holistic and distinctions–based approach will be adopted.

First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders support Ministers of Health and Aboriginal Affairs Ministers continuing to work collaboratively with Aboriginal Peoples including First Nations, Inuit and MĂ©tis regardless of where they live to turn their commitments into concrete action at the regional level and national level.

First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders. These initiatives and plans could notably focus on such areas as:
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