Clear Sky Connections Announcement - jan. 9, 2018
FUNDING TO SUPPORT HIGH SPEED CONNECTIVITY FOR MANITOBA FIRST NATION COMMUNITIES
TREATY ONE TERRITORY, WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – Today, the Government of Canada, Manitoba and Clear Sky Communications Inc. announced an investment of $63M that will bring high speed internet to Manitoba First Nations and surrounding communities. Clear Sky Connections (CSC) is a proud Manitoba partner of this announcement and plays a lead role in making this goal a reality for First Nations across Manitoba.
Since 2009, the Manitoba First Nations Technology Council has worked on building the Manitoba First Nations Network of the Future Initiative to bring high speed internet to all Manitoba First Nation communities. The work at Clear Sky Connections has evolved to create a for-profit arm, Clear Sky Communications Inc., in partnership with RFNOW Inc. This partnership has been able to open doors for Manitoba’s First Nations to fully realize the dream of owning and operating a high-speed fibre optic network.
CSC Co-Chair Chiefs David Crate of Fisher River Cree Nation and Chief Nelson Genaille of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation noted that the Manitoba First Nations Network of the Future Initiative will be able to move forward with developing the physical and technological infrastructure required to connect Manitoba First Nations to high-speed internet. CSC will be working with its strategic partner, RFNOW in a phased approach to complete this multi-year project.
QUOTES:
“We are very pleased to partner with Canada and Manitoba to ensure Manitoba First Nations have the same technology the rest of Canada has had for years. We also look forward to the economic opportunities our communities will be able to participate in through this initiative and high-speed internet connectivity.”
– Chief Nelson Genaille, Sapotaweyak Cree Nation and Clear Sky Connections Chairperson
“The opportunities are endless with access to technology. In turn, we look forward to seeing improvements in many areas of life in our communities. Online businesses, enhanced access to health services such as telehealth, to students and teachers being able to download the needed software for their new school tools. There are so many ways increasing our access to high-speed internet can improve ways we live and go about our business. We look forward to making this reality.”
– Chief David Crate, Fisher River Cree Nation and Clear Sky Connections Vice-Chairperson
“Access to high-speed Internet is not a luxury; it’s essential. High-speed Internet service is a basic tool that all Canadians should have access to, regardless of where they live. Canadians need this service to do business, upgrade their education and build stronger communities. Thanks to our Connect to Innovate program, more Canadians will be able to participate fully in the digital economy.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"The strategic partnership we have formed with First Nation leaders and Clear Sky Connections will allow us to ensure Manitoba communities will all be afforded the benefit of high speed communication technologies which will help contribute to improved Health Care, Education as well as new Economic opportunities. The shared vision and support of the Federal and Manitoba governments' will make this a reality for First Nations and Manitoba."
-Scott Andrew - CEO RFNOW Inc.
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News from our partners
Photo: Partners and Leaders at the Connect to Innovate Announcement on January 9, 2018.
(Clear Sky Connections funding was highlighted in Manitoba)
Read information from Canada and Manitoba:
Province invests in improvements for internet service in the North
Backgrounder: Contributions to bringing internet to rural and northern Manitoba