Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Hay River Reserve is moving ahead with its fibre optic infrastructure. Starting in 2007, funding from CanNor helped the K’atlodeeche First Nation to move forward on an initiative to bring broadband telecommunications to the community. Five local band members built the one-kilometre link that connects several municipal buildings. The community hopes to connect more public places, in particular the band office, arena and the store.

The First Nation hopes to lease the fibre optic link to NorthwesTel and Telus, who can provide improved telecommunications services to residents. In turn, it will help NorthwesTel avoid the cost of building this infrastructure itself.

The advantages of broadband infrastructure are obvious. Many of the benefits do not have a dollar value. We have already seen how existing fibre optic capabilities enhance personal and business communication and program and service delivery in key areas of health and education. As the NWT moves ahead with its ambitious Mackenzie Valley fibre optic link, we will see it transform and diversify the local economy of rural and remote communities and support Arctic sovereignty and security goals.

The K’atlodeeche First Nation wants to expand its fibre optic network by 14 kilometres to reach Highway No. 2 and existing telecommunications infrastructure. When many First Nations communities hear about fibre optics, they think it is out of reach, but the K’atlodeeche First Nation’s information technologies manager says it’s possible for any small community to create their own wireless infrastructure.

CanNor believes that investing in telecommunications is very important for rural and remote communities. Investment in broadband infrastructure is the highlight of the new federal budget. I support the Government of the Northwest Territories’ efforts to advance the construction of the Mackenzie Valley fibre optic link and I especially want to recognize the efforts of the K’atlodeeche First Nation in taking the initiative to bring the Hay River Reserve into the digital age.

The First Nation has made a wise investment in the community’s future and I applaud the leadership on a job well done. I wish them the best success to pursue their goals of expanding the network and in working with neighbouring companies to improve telecommunications in the North. Thank you, mahsi.