Minister Clement Announces Technology Investment in Muskoka

Minister Clement announces investment to enhance broadband services in Muskoka

GRAVENHURST, Ontario, February 19, 2011 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a Government of Canada investment to improve Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services in the Muskoka region.

“The Government of Canada is working with local organizations such as Muskoka Community Network to establish and expand broadband services that help to create new economic opportunities,” said Minister Clement. “Today’s announcement is providing communities and businesses in the Muskoka area with the tools they need to compete in world markets, promote tourism and help create jobs.”

Muskoka Community Network (MCN) received FedNor funding of $295,000 to support its ongoing operations and implement a Community Atlas Portal. Designed to highlight the recreational, tourism and business resources in the region, the Community Atlas Portal is an integrated, web-based system that will help strengthen the regional economy by promoting business development and attracting tourists to the area.

“FedNor funding has helped us provide broadband access to more than 80% of the un-serviced areas in the Muskoka region,” said Jennifer Schnier, Board Chair, Muskoka Community Network. “The funding announced today is also allowing us to build on our past successes by implementing a web-based application that will support community economic development throughout the region.”

FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program supports projects that strengthen community economic development, enhance business growth and facilitate innovation throughout the region. 

Since 2006, FedNor has invested more than $37.5 million in 104 information and communications technology projects throughout Northern Ontario, helping communities and businesses engage in the digital economy.

To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://ic.gc.ca/FedNor

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For more information, please contact:

Heather Hume
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-995-9001

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502

Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor

705-671-0715 or 1-877-333-6673

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/fednor-fednor.nsf/eng/fn03502.html
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For more information on broadband and technology in Muskoka, visit the Muskoka Community Network website at http://www.mcnet.ca/