Con. College expands services in region

News Release
MNDM

SUDBURY – Confederation College is taking advantage of the McGuinty government’s investments in broadband infrastructure to enhance learning opportunities across northwestern Ontario, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today.
“Confederation will build on the North’s expanded broadband capacity to improve access to college resources wherever there is an Internet connection,” said Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle. “The college’s Advanced Technology for Learning Project will bring library, faculty and student support resources directly — and on demand — to northwestern communities.”
Under its Infrastructure and Community Development program, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is providing $1 million to Confederation College to update its core educational facilities and digitally link them to 140 classrooms spread across seven regional campuses through a new virtual library and student services hub.
Confederation College will be able to support northwestern Ontario’s evolution to a more knowledge-based economy,” said Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro. “E-learning will be an increasingly important tool as we address the unique demographic and economic issues facing our region.”
Confederation College’s project will both benefit from and support a $17.4-million NOHFC investment in 12 initiatives that will enhance telecommunications infrastructure across the North.
Projects announced today will provide essentially continuous cellular coverage along major highways from Sault Ste. Marie to the Manitoba border and deliver almost complete broadband coverage within that area. In addition, they will extend coverage to hard-to-service locations such as the James Bay Coast and the remote Far North. In all, the residents of more than 130 northern communities will benefit from new and enhanced services.