Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to inform this House of an exciting project that will help to bring the north into the 21st century. Wire North will help communities connect to the Internet.
Every day, we see signs of the new technology that is changing our world. E-mail messages are replacing letters and phone calls to family and friends. Banking is done from the convenience of our homes through telephones and computers. Medical services are provided through video conferencing and other technology over the Internet.
Mr. Speaker, these are just a few of many opportunities that modern technology gives us. So far, this technology has only been affordable in our larger communities. As the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, I believe it is vital that all northern communities have access to these same opportunities. The Wire North Initiative is a partnership between the Departments of Municipal and Community Affairs; Education, Culture and Employment; Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development; the Financial Management Board Secretariat; Industry Canada, the NWT Association of Municipalities, the NWT Association of Municipal Administrators, and not-for-profit and private sector representatives. Through partnerships, Wire North will provide communities with coordinated access to programs and support so they can use the Internet.
Mr. Speaker, MACA will invest up to $600,000 in Wire North Initiatives. This will provide community access to the Internet in every northern community. Wire North will help communities train in using the new technology and demonstrate other potential uses such as training and banking on-line. These initiatives will provide communities with Internet access to information, resources, programs and services; and, assist in community development.
Mr. Speaker, the Wire North Initiative is an exciting opportunity for communities. It is a chance for them to use technology to improve their quality of life. Mr. Speaker, officials in MACA are working closely with the future Government of Nunavut to make sure that wire north becomes a wire Nunavut initiative. This is a good example of on-going partnerships between our two new territories. I would like to thank my honourable colleagues, Mr. Todd, Mr. Dent and Mr. Kakfwi for their collaboration in the Wire North Initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause