Premier Pat Binns today announced that negotiations between the Government of PEI, and the Government of Canada, as represented by the Ministers of ACOA and Industry have resulted in an extension in federal funding for the popular Community Access Program (CAP).
Federal CAP funding was scheduled to end on September 30th and would have resulted in the closure of 41 Island CAP sites. The CAP program ensures that Islanders have access to the Internet and new technologies, as well as broadband access, in their own community. More than 120,000 Islanders used Island CAP sites last year.
“I am very pleased that a productive dialogue with our federal colleagues has averted the closure of this very popular and important program for Islanders,” said Premier Binns. “I want to thank the CAP administrative staff in the Department of Development and Technology, as well as Minister Peter MacKay for recognizing the benefits of this program and working the political corners in Ottawa to get a deal done.”
Industry Canada will extend funding for the CAP program until the end of March 2007. In addition, negotiations will begin immediately toward a long term agreement.
The Premier said funding for the CAP program has been on shaky ground for the past couple of years, as the previous Federal Government continuously cut the program funding and refused to enter into negotiations for a long term agreement.
Since last year, two six month contract extensions had been in place. He said he is pleased with the current extension, and is also encouraged that the Government of Canada wants to secure a long term agreement for CAP on PEI.