MANNVILLE (June 11, 2010) — On behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, Leon Benoit Member of Parliament for Vegreville – Wainwright, was pleased to announce today the first in a series of projects that will bring broadband internet access to the Crowfoot – Vegreville – Wainwright region. PCC Communications has been conditionally approved to provide this access and these projects announced today are expected to bring broadband access to approximately 8134 households.

“Broadband opens the door to business opportunities, government services and on-line education. Farmers are denied marketing and other opportunities by slow and unreliable internet. High speed internet is a basic need today every bit as much as the telephone was fifty years ago. As well, it can help us keep in touch with our friends and families,” MP Benoit said. “These projects represent an important improvement of service ­– and quality of life – for the people in the Vegreville – Wainwright riding.”

“We are obviously delighted that our application was conditionally approved for funding,” Glen Boyd, CEO, PCC Communications added. “Canada has long led the way in making broadband widely available, and we are pleased to be part of any efforts to reach those Canadians who still lack access.”

While details of the contribution agreement are expected to be finalized shortly, Industry Canada and PCC Communications Inc. will offer approximately 8134 households in the region the opportunity to sign up for reasonably priced broadband service. Work on the project must be completed by December 31, 2011.

Budget 2009 — Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided $225 million to Industry Canada to develop and implement a strategy to extend broadband Internet coverage across Canada. More information about this program is available on the Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians website. You are also encouraged to learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan.