Residents and businesses in eight rural Antigonish communities will soon have access to a new broadband network, thanks, in part, to an investment by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

Fisheries and Ocean Minister Geoff Regan, on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of ACOA, today announced that the Agency was contributing $250,935 towards the establishment of a high-capacity Internet connection. The funding comes from ACOA’s Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF).

“Establishment of this network will make it easier for this area to diversify its economy by removing a major barrier to economic development - distance,” said Mr. Regan. “It’s essential to the delivery of telehealth, distant learning, government services and e-business.”

“We have been presented with a unique opportunity to assist rural Antigonish County businesses,” said Ken Watkins, Executive Director of the Antigonish County Regional Development Authority. “With the latest in broadband communications tools, businesses will be better able to compete locally, regionally or world-wide.”

Broadband is defined as a high-capacity Internet connection, capable of supporting full-motion, real-time audio and video applications. It serves as a pipeline for delivering innovative applications, putting services in areas such as health, education and business within easy reach of all Canadians.

Establishment of the broadband network was announced in May 2004 with a $1.1 million contribution from Industry Canada, under its Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Program (BRAND).

Antigonish County was one of 25 applicants from across Canada to receive support through the BRAND program. The program was designed to ensure that these communities have the tools they need to move ahead socially and economically.

ACOA’s assistance will be used to put in place the physical infrastructure required and to offset the cost of operating the broadband network itself. The investment is part of ACOA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the economic and social development of rural Antigonish County. SCIF is a component of the Atlantic Investment Partnership, a five-year Government of Canada initiative designed to help Atlantic Canadians compete in the global, knowledge- based economy. The Fund is administered by ACOA. ____________________________________________________________ FOR BROADCAST USE

High-capacity Internet access in eight rural Antigonish County communities is a step closer as the result of a contribution from by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The $250,000 investment was announced today by Fisheries and Oceans Minister Geoff Regan, on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of ACOA.

The money will be used to help put in place the physical infrastructure required for a broadband system to operate. In 2004, Antigonish County was selected as one of the 25 applicants from across Canada to receive broadband service under a program established by Industry Canada.

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For more information, please contact:

Valérie Poulin
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire
Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(613) 941-7241

David Harrigan
Media Relations Officer
ACOA (Nova Scotia)
(902) 426-4238

Ken Watkins
Executive Director
Antigonish Regional Development Authority
(902) 863-3389