In spite of the collapse of technology and all that has happened over the past two and a half years, the Canadian government remains steadfast in its determination to establish Canada as the world’s most connected country. Through a series of Industry Canada initiatives, the federal government plans to investment in advances that it believes will facilitate creation of nationwide affordable access for high-speed video, voice and data communications. The government will support selected Canadian businesses so that they can develop innovative products and processes that will in turn increase economic growth, create high-quality jobs and support sustainable development to the benefit of communities across Canada.

In its most recent step towards building affordable high-speed computer networks, the federal government has made a C$4.6 million strategic repayable investment in Markham, Ontario-based Redline Communications Inc. through the federal agency Technology Partnerships Canada. This private company addresses "last mile" delivery challenges related to home and business access to high-speed networks. The “last mile” bottleneck refers to the much slower dial-up connection of the relatively short distance between home or business and the broader telecommunications system.

This wireless broadband access initiative will focus on using newly allocated Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure frequency bands. The project also supports the Government’s decision to introduce wireless Local Area Networks in the 5GHz band for the purpose of connecting computers and other devices to high-speed networks.

“This project will build a bridge to high-speed computer access across the country and bring us closer to making Canada the world's most connected country," said the Honourable John McCallum, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (MP) for Markham.

"Connectivity is all about building a better Canada. Small companies like Redline are among the leaders in developing new technologies that are moving Canada to the forefront in sectors of the knowledge economy that will create new jobs and opportunities across the country."

The federal government has mandated Technology Partnerships Canada to invest strategically in research, development and innovation. By encouraging private sector investment, the government expects to spur growth in the technology base and technological capabilities of Canadian industry and to encourage the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in all regions of Canada. Technology Partnerships' risk-sharing investments are conditionally repayable, usually in the form of royalties based on company sales. In its 2000-2001 Annual Report, Industry Canada’s Technology Partnerships reported 28 strategic repayable R&D agreements like that with Redline to a total investment of over C$499 million. Rural Broadband Initiative

Early in September, Industry Canada also launched the C$105 million Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program to provide high-speed Internet access to unserved First Nation, northern, remote and rural communities.

"Broadband is becoming increasingly important for economic development as well as in enabling Canadian companies to build and deliver innovations in areas like health care, education and e-commerce." said the Honourable Allan Rock, Federal Minister of Industry.

"However, market forces alone will not take broadband to all rural and remote parts of this country. This program is designed to equip more rural and remote communities with this leading-edge infrastructure."

The government believes that broadband access will provide a number of opportunities to rural Canadians to access health care, education, lifelong learning and a competitive business environment which will work towards the sustainability of rural communities by giving Canada’s youth an economic and social future in rural Canada.

Funding selections for the Pilot Program will be made through a two-step application process that has its first deadline on October 31, 2002.

As government plans for high-speed access progress, Industry Canada’s Community Access Program (CAP) continues to establish community-based computer networks in community and seniors centres across Canada. Since 1995, CAP has approved or established more than 8,800 public Internet access centres throughout remote, rural and urban communities nationwide.

Has your community gotten on the access bandwagon yet? Have you?

Published: September 17, 2002

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Futurist and Strategist PJ Wade is "The Catalyst" - intent on "Challenging The Best to Become Even Better." PJ earned this title by translating the dynamic impact of Boomers and their multi-generation families into relevant insights that start people thinking and taking action—in business and in life. Author of 8 books and more than 1800 published articles, PJ encourages individuals to become their own futurist. PJ writes and speaks about the insight, knowledge and solid decision-making skills that professionals and their clients need to live and work in this vortex of change. For instance, since PJ knows that home is headquarters for the new decades-long "unretirement," she wrote the popular book "Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy...Your Choice!", which is filled with suggestions and cautions on protecting, building and managing home equity. Her new business book, "What's Your Point?: Cut The Crap, Hit The Mark & Stick!" will be published in 2012. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors - and the clients they serve. A frequently-quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking - a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more on keynotes, blogs, books and information on a range of 21st-Century topics, visit TheCatalyst.com.