Irricana is one of several communities across the province that will see both federal and provincial funding for High-speed internet.

"Through Alberta’s Broadband Strategy, the government is investing $390 million over five years in rural broadband service so Albertans can stay connected, improve digital literacy, support their livelihoods and improve access to education, health care and the global marketplace," a provincial release stated earlier this week.

The Government of Canada is investing in the project as well, with a total of $780 million to improve access to high-speed internet in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. The projects and funding have been awarded under the Universal Broadband Fund. According to the province, construction is underway on 17 of these projects across the province.

Since the Canada-Alberta Broadband Partnership Agreement was signed, Alberta and the federal government have so far awarded an estimated $211 million to 26 projects covering more than 33,000 households in 223 communities.

Gudie Hutchings, the Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development said that the Internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. 

"That is why your government made a historic commitment to connecting 98 per cent of Canadians to high-speed internet by 2026...This investment will provide reliable high-speed internet access to more than 22,500 underserved homes in 166 rural and remote communities in Alberta."

Paul McLauchlin, President of Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) added that the funding is an excellent example of collaboration between federal and provincial levels of government.

"RMA is pleased that the projects announced today will result in improved connectivity for many rural Albertans...We look forward to the continued partnerships between all levels of government to secure broadband funding for those who are underserved."

The province added that during the development of the Alberta Broadband Strategy, it was estimated that approximately 489,000 Albertans living in 201,000 households lack access to federal target speeds.  

It is estimated that within three years of achieving universal coverage and adoption of services, up to 40,000 Albertans without access to a primary health care provider may have improved access to telehealth, and the cost to deliver those services will be reduced. It is also projected that up to five per cent of GDP growth in the agricultural sector will result from the adoption of agricultural technologies, while up to 2,000 long-term service-industry jobs may be created in rural communities. 

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