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Province puts $150 million to broadband expansion for rural Albertans

Local officials say it’s a good start, but await the details
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Local officials are eager to see what comes of the provincial government's recently announced investment of $150 million towards expanding broadband in rural areas of Alberta.

ATHABASCA – An investment of $150 million by the provincial government toward expanding broadband access in rural Alberta is a good step in the right direction, say local officials, but there is still a long way to go to provide every Albertan with access to the advantages that connection to the rest of the world brings. 

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney made the announcement July 22 from the University of Alberta Augustana Campus in Camrose along with Minister of Service Alberta Nate Glubish, Associate Minister of Rural Economic Development Nate Horner, Rural Municipalities of Alberta president Paul McLauchlin and Chief Billy Morin of the Enoch Cree Nation, saying he hopes to see further investments from the federal government and private industry to help provide the 80 per cent of Indigenous communities, and 63 per cent of rural communities without broadband access up to par with Canadian standards. 

“Our economic recovery needs to include Alberta’s rural, remote and Indigenous communities. This investment ensures individuals, families and businesses in these parts of the province will not be left behind,” said the premier. “It is Alberta’s way of saying that we’re ready to invest in this important technology and we’re looking forward to working with our partners to make it a reality for those in Alberta who need it.” 

Expanded broadband access is a priority Athabasca County reeve Larry Armfelt has felt particularly strongly about as a kickstarter toward strengthening economic development in the region as well, even bringing his concerns to a recent RMA meeting for officials from all over the province to hear. 

“We still have pockets in the county where we don't even have a good cell service so anything that broadband can help us with, we would certainly appreciate it to cover the county,” he said following the press conference. “I don't know the ins and outs with the announcement, but if it will help coverage, we'll take it.” 

Glubish and Horner called it great news for families, students and job creators across rural Alberta.  

“Alberta’s rural communities have struggled to grow and compete in a modern economy without access to reliable, high-speed Internet. This investment will create jobs, improve access to health care and education resources, and diversify the economy in rural Alberta,” said Glubish. 

“Increasing access to broadband is vital to revitalizing rural communities and jump-starting economic growth,” said Horner. 

“Every dollar contributed to specifically addressing rural broadband addresses the significant digital poverty that rural Albertans experience,” said McLauchlin. “RMA feels this is one of the most effective investments to growing communities, supporting business and for supporting the future of modern agriculture and resource development. Rural Albertans will be pleased that they have been heard.” 

Boyle mayor Colin Derko had similar sentiments toward the announcement, saying broadband expansion has been a common theme through numerous meetings during the current municipal term, even during the pandemic when COVID-19 and accompanying restrictions dominated most discussions.  

Like Armfelt though, he awaits the details. 

“It's a good start, and the reality of it is that you do need to start somewhere. If you try and go wide open and get everything fixed all in one day all you're going to do is waste money and time and do it wrong, so I like their approach,” he said. 

 

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