Question Period Note: CTI – Wekitowak project

Will the Connect to Innovate Wekitowak project be moving ahead?

• The Connect to Innovate program originally selected the Wekitowak project based on the benefits it would offer to Indigenous communities in Manitoba.

• Despite all efforts from the parties involved, Wekitowak did not progress in a timely and effective manner and will no longer be supported by the Government of Canada.

• The government continues to have an interest in supporting high quality projects in Manitoba, especially in Indigenous communities.

• The $1.75-billion Universal Broadband Fund is open and accepting applications, including for projects that can be completed very rapidly, and for mobile projects benefitting Indigenous peoples.

SUPPLEMENTAL MESSAGES

If pressed on what happens to the Wekitowak funding:

• The government is looking at the viability of funding other Connect to Innovate projects, especially in Manitoba, but we are not accepting new Connect to Innovate applications.

If pressed on the process for revoking approval:

• The government works with all Connect to Innovate recipients to ensure projects are set up to succeed, with a detailed technical assessment, a review of project management and financial support, and all required permitting and consultations.

• While each project moves at its own pace, and there is no fixed timeline for each stage of review, projects must move forward steadily and efficiently to continue to be eligible.

General messages on Connect to Innovate:

• The Connect to Innovate program will bring new or improved high-speed Internet access to more than 975 rural and remote communities – more than triple the 300 communities initially targeted – which includes 190 Indigenous communities.

• Under the Connect to Innovate program, projects are given ‘conditional approval’ and then must pass ‘due diligence’ review, including a detailed review of the technology, engineering, financing and other details.

• Consultations with affected Indigenous communities are also a priority.

• The government will continue to work with partners and communities in Manitoba to ensure that these communities are able to benefit from investment in high-speed Internet.

• The government launched the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF), and has been engaging with stakeholders to ensure it responds to the needs of rural communities, provides applicants the support they need, and can accept and approve projects quickly This means there will be additional opportunities to advance high-speed Internet projects throughout Manitoba.

Wekitowak was a joint proposal by Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (MCCN) and RFNow, a private sector company with experience in designing and building networks. First Nations owned 51% of the project with an option to buy out RFNow over time.

Announced on January 9, 2018 by Minister Bains and Premier Pallister, the Wekitowak project proposed to connect 72 communities, 37 of which are Indigenous. Total project costs were $62.5 million (CTI $30 million; MB Hydro $20 million; and the balance from the proponents).

However, the project has been unable to advance. The government issued a letter in mid-August to the partners requesting that they provide the required documentation within a certain timeframe or the project funding would be cancelled. This documentation was not provided and the government has cancelled its funding support for the project.

These communities are eligible to apply for funding under the new Universal Broadband Fund, which opened its application process on November 9, 2020 and will close on March 15, 2021.

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