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Minister of Industry Announces 19 New Public Internet Access Sites for the Algonquin and Lakeshore Region     

 

OTTAWA, April 27, 2001 -- The Honourable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry, today announced the launch of a network of 19 public Internet access sites at schools in the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board. Industry Canada's Community Access Program (CAP) has contributed $323,000 towards these sites.

"The Community Access Program will provide area residents with affordable, convenient access to the Internet," said Minister Tobin. "These new sites provide an excellent model of community-based organizations, the private sector and all levels of governments working together to capture the enabling power of the Information Highway."

The Community Access Program is part of the Government of Canada's Connecting Canadians strategy, which is helping to keep Canada among world leaders in Internet access and applications. The program is establishing public Internet access sites in remote, rural and urban communities nationwide. Over 3,000 access centres have been created in Ontario since the launch of the program in 1995, representing a Government of Canada investment of over $46 million.

The Community Access Program is also integral to the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy.  Community Access Program sites bring opportunities for skills development and jobs for young Canadians aged 15 to 30. Since 1996, more than 5,500 young Canadians took advantage of work experience opportunity provided at Community Access Program sites across Canada.

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

For more information, please contact:

Heidi Bonnell
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Industry
(613) 995-9001

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