PCs to stick with previous government's internet plan

P.E.I.'s governing Progressive Conservatives say they plan to go ahead with the internet plans announcedearlier this year by the previous Liberal government.

In March, the provincial and federal governmentsannounced joint investments to improve internet service in rural P.E.I.

Bell and Xplornet were chosen to receive more than $36 million in funding the majority coming from Ottawa.

In the legislature Wednesday, Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and CultureMatthew MacKay said the internet agreement was one of the first things he reviewed when he took over the portfolio.

"About 24 hours into the job I sat down, reviewed the last RFP, which I will give credit where credit is due government had actually been in the right line of sight with this," MacKay said.

Funding for small providers

The issue of rural high-speed internet was brought up during question period by Green MLA Ole Hammarlund.

Hammarlund, who is the Opposition critic for economic growth, tourism and culture, askedhow the province plans to make sure Xplornet and Belldeliver on their promises and "why the many local P.E.I.internet firms have been excluded."

MacKay said small providers are not excluded.

When the previous government announced the funding for Xplornet and Bell, it also promised $10 million in funding over five years for smaller companies. At the time government didn'tprovide details about how exactly the money would be awarded.

In response to Hammarlund's question, MacKay provided some details Wednesday about how that funding will be used.

"We're offering low-interest loans, as well as 50-cent dollar grants to help some of these providers out. In the next two weeks we're providing a map, to show how it looks on P.E.I., and for them to provide an opportunity of input, how they'd like to see it as well," MacKay said.

Will disclose contracts

MacKay said his department will work to ensure that all providers regardless of size live up to the agreed expectations.

"Everybody will follow by the same rules," MacKay said.

MacKay also said he plans to publicly disclose all contracts he signs.

More P.E.I. news