Manitoba signs agreement to provide broadband to hundreds of communities
The Manitoba government has signed a contribution agreement with Xplornet Communications Inc. to provide broadband services to nearly 30 First Nations and more than 350 rural and northern communities.
Central Services Minister Reg Helwer made the announcement on Tuesday in Grande Pointe, saying that the province recognizes the benefits of ensuring Manitobans are connected.
“The historic partnership will connect Manitoba to the world, giving unserved and underserved communities reliable telecommunication services,” Helwer said.
“Over 125,000 rural, remote and northern Manitoba homes will have new or improved modern broadband services and further future technologies for the next generations.”
Helwer’s announcement comes after a memorandum of understanding was established with Xplornet in May to connect about 125,000 unserved or underserved Manitobans in 350 communities through broadband.
The province and Xplornet have now finalized the agreement, as well as the supporting documents, to begin the process of building the network.
“Whether logging onto work, school or to connect with family, we’re eager to make those connections for rural Manitobans,” said Bill Macdonald, Xplornet’s executive vice president.
“The province of Manitoba is a key focus for us. We’re not only building a world-class network here, we’re also establishing a presence in the community.”
As part of the construction process, Xplornet will work with businesses, local governments, and First Nations.
Macdonald said the next step in the rural broadband expansion is community consultations with First Nations to ensure residents have their needs heard.
Chief Clarence Easter of Chemawawin Cree Nation said this project is a good example of how progress can only be achieved by building relationships.
“I want to thank all those that are in this relationship with us,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Australian police arrest 7 alleged teen extremists linked to stabbing of a bishop in a Sydney church
Australian police arrested seven teenagers accused of following a violent extremist ideology in raids across Sydney on Wednesday, as a judge extended a ban on social media platform X sharing video of a knife attack on a bishop that started the criminal investigation.