Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has taken a lead role in using new communications technologies to enhance program delivery. This has included the establishment of a territorial educational computer network and the use of interactive and broadcast television for delivery of distance learning programs. However, these initiatives are dependent on the development of an affordable communications infrastructure, which can be used for a variety of applications, such as television broadcasts, telephone services or computer links. The strategic plan for Education, Culture and Employment focused on the need for
a single, seamless communications network. As a first step towards creating this network, the department is cooperating with its partners to hold the connecting the north conference, from November 23rd to 25th.
Connecting the North will bring together people from the public and private sectors, including political leaders, the people who provide communications services and the people who use those services. Participants will discuss the state of northern communications infrastructure and consider options for future improvements. The potential for improved service delivery and economic development using modern communications technology will also be discussed. Presentations will include demonstrations of successful initiatives in the north and other jurisdictions. Many of these presentations will be made by teleconference, with participants as far away as Australia.
Connecting the North is being organized by the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, with the assistance of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Funding has been provided by my department, as well as the departments of Health and Social Services and Economic Development and Tourism, as well as a number of federal government departments and the private sector. Considerable assistance has also been provided by Telesat Canada and NorthwesTel.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has much to gain from an improved communications infrastructure. High-speed interactive communications could dramatically increase our ability to deliver education and other programs to all communities in a timely and cost-efficient manner. I look forward to next week's conference and our discussions on how to improve information services to connect the north. Thank you.