As a follow-up event to the Francophone Summit in Moncton last month, Minister Mitch Murphy is pleased to announce that the Department of Technology and Environment is co-sponsoring an International Conference and Trade Fair on Smart Community Development beginning Wednesday, October 13, 1999 in Summerside.
"As one of the co-hosts, my department, which includes the Francophone Affairs Division, is taking this opportunity to showcase Prince Edward Island's smart communities and the provincial smart communities initiative to the world," said Minister Murphy, Department of Technology and Environment.
According to Minister Murphy, technology is creating a new source of knowledge and wealth for key industries and all residents of Prince Edward Island. As co-funders and co-organizers, the Department of Technology and Environment has made a significant contribution to the forum which will enable Islanders and representatives from other communities world-wide to share local knowledge and discuss the global challenges of smart community development.
Smart community development in Prince Edward Island began with the development of a broadband network and Community Access Program (CAP) sites. More than 52 CAP sites provide a focal point in municipalities and communities for access to the Internet and will serve as access points for government service delivery in the future.
"Canada's smallest province is destined to become Canada's Smart Province, where communities thrive and resources for economic, cultural and social well-being are shared and utilized effectively, added Minister Murphy. "Smart communities make informed decisions and participate fully in the roles they choose to fulfill."
For more information about the International Conference and Trade Fair on Smart Community Development, contact Daniel Bourgeois, Francophone Affairs at (902) 368-6503.