FRANCAIS

April 09, 2001

Federal Veterans Affairs Minister Ron Duhamel, secretary of state (Western Economic Diversification) (Francophonie), on behalf of federal Industry Minister Brian Tobin, and Manitoba Industry, Trade and Mines Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk today officially opened the Community Connections site at the Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg bringing free public Internet access to the downtown community.

"The Community Access Program is not just about computers and the Internet," said Duhamel. "It's about people and communities across Manitoba, and across the country, having the same opportunities. This is a step in the right direction to linking our Aboriginal communities to the Internet."

"I am pleased to celebrate with the Aboriginal Centre today as they officially power up and connect to the information age and other online communities through Community Connections," said Mihychuk. "This program brings Internet resources right into our neighbourhoods. It enables Aboriginal youth to access information technology now and provides the opportunities and skills that will help them to compete in an exciting and challenging field."

Launched in March 2000 by the province and Industry Canada, Community Connections is an extension of the Community Access Program which supports the development of Internet access sites in communities. This jointly funded $11 million federal/provincial initiative supports the organization of Community Resource Networks, the purchase of Internet-ready computers and other hardware, plus software, technical support, network maintenance, and the development of community Web sites and bulletin boards.

The Community Connection sites will help individuals, organizations and businesses from urban, rural and northern communities take advantage of knowledge-based information technologies. The program is designed to connect the strengths of people and communities through the Internet, and make electronic resources available to all Manitobans.

The Aboriginal Centre is one of over 40 access sites that will open in downtown Winnipeg. Community staff from the City of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority have helped implement this initiative.

Young Manitobans will be hired for summer and part-time employment at access sites. They will work with the local communities to set up and promote the sites and act as a resource to local users. The Aboriginal Centre project includes computer training and a Web site design component. The training will be undertaken by volunteers from the community.

"The Aboriginal community is excited to be hosting this leading-edge technology that provides opportunity and enhances career options for youth. As the hub for the Aboriginal community, we commit to ensuring that everyone has access to computers and the Internet," said Marileen McCormick, manager of the Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg Inc. "We thank all three levels of government for supporting and committing to bridging the digital divide for our community."

Currently, there are conditional agreements to bring economical, accessible Internet access to 440 sites across Manitoba. All sites are expected to be in operation by March 31, 2002.

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