Tony Clement Delivers Over $2.4 M to Improve Broadband Services in Parry Sound–Muskoka

HUNTSVILLE, Ontario, November 15, 2006 — The Honourable Tony Clement, MP for Parry Sound – Muskoka, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced a FedNor investment of more than $2.4M to improve telecommunications and information technology services in Parry Sound and Muskoka.

“On behalf of Canada’s New Government, I am very pleased to deliver this long overdue investment to Parry Sound - Muskoka,” said Minister Clement. “Establishing and expanding telecommunication services will help Parry Sound and Muskoka compete in world markets, while creating jobs and making our communities stronger.”

As part of today’s announcement, the Muskoka Community Network will receive over $1.7M to establish high-speed Internet and broadband services. The Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation will receive $736,709 to implement Information and Communications Technology (ICT) applications and deliver broadband solutions to communities without these services. The remaining $50,000 will help the West Parry Sound Geography Network provide better access to accurate and up-to-date Geographic Information System data.

“This investment by FedNor will help us link households and local businesses to global markets,” said Rob McPhee, Executive Director, Muskoka Community Network. “Providing highspeed Internet access in areas without service will allow businesses to maintain quality websites, implement e-business solutions and provide value-added services to their clients.”

“We are excited to be working with FedNor and our community partners to deliver broadband services throughout the area,” added Susan Church, Executive Director, Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation. “Expanding telecommunications and ICT systems across the region will immediately increase opportunities for local businesses and support community development.”

By supporting economic development opportunities through its ICT programs, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, announced a contribution of $2.4 million to support five projects to establish broadband services, implement ICT applications, and provide better GIS data in the Parry Sound–Muskoka region. The announcement was made November 15, 2006, in Huntsville.

(l-r) Susan Church, Executive Director of the Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation, and Rob McPhee, Executive Director of Muskoka Community Network, with the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor.

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

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For more information, please contact:

Erik Waddell
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200

Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-671-0715 or 1-877-333-6673