Business and industry in Prince George will soon have more opportunities for growth and technological innovation, thanks to an investment of $27,500 from Canada’s New Government into an advanced networks taskforce that will study the expansion of local ultra-high speed Internet access.

Dick Harris, MP for Cariboo-Prince George, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification (WD).

“Improving industry and business access to ultra-high speed Internet will strengthen their technological capacity, competitiveness and productivity, while fostering growth for the Prince George economy,” said MP Harris. “This initiative will help move the City of Prince George and surrounding areas one step closer toward expanding the advanced network infrastructure for business, industry and academia.”

The study will determine the best business model of public/private partnerships to expand the existing ultra-high speed network infrastructure to the business community and industry in Prince George. The existing network was created by the City of Prince George in partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and BCNet.

A collaborative Task Force made up of key stakeholders, including the Innovation Resource Centre Council, the City of Prince George, Initiatives Prince George, BCNet, UNBC and the private sector, is undertaking this project. The federal government will contribute $27,500 of the $49,000 required to complete the study and create a business plan for implementation, with $24,500 coming from WD and $3,000 coming from Industry Canada.

“The Task Force is grateful for financial support from the Government of Canada to undertake this feasibility study, said Rodney Gainer, Director of Business Enhancement at the Innovation Resource Centre. “With the support of all our private sector partners, we will expand technological innovation in the Prince George area."

Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.

For additional information, contact:

Tom Wakefield
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-2445
Cellular: (604) 218-4395