Access to Information

Some smaller communities in the NWT recently received high-speed Internet which is already available throughout most of Canada. However, only a few people in the communities have experience with the Internet or fully appreciate what it could mean to the community.

While this technology is a communication tool, there is a gap in the adoption of this new technology. Connect NWT is committed to promoting the use of the Internet throughout the NWT. To address this challenge, Connect NWT organized an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Symposium February 6 and 7, 2007 in Yellowknife.

Under the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development program (SINED), INAC contributed $72,425 towards the symposium which brought together Information Technology planners, users and service providers under one roof to discuss the NWT's needs and to ensure service delivery in communities is efficient and responsive. A framework outlining the necessary investment in training and resources to take advantage of Internet access is also being developed.

The purpose of the symposium was twofold: to show how ICT can benefit the community; and to gather input from participants to develop a multiyear ICT Strategic Plan for maximizing the adoption and utilization of broadband connectivity infostructure in NWT communities.

The symposium's target audience was very broad and included; government and community representatives, educators and trainers, health and social service providers, Aboriginal organizations, economic development organizations, and industry stakeholders. These key community decision-makers and influencers play a significant role in helping community members to understand and maximize the use of broadband technology including; virtual classrooms, the preservation of language and culture, access to online healthcare and the ability to market goods and services globally.

“Community residents, businesses, governments, and other leaders were able to make connections between the potential of broadband and their economic, educational, capacity and wellness needs,” said Brian Desjardins, Project Coordinator for the NWT Association of Communities. “They are beginning to appreciate the potential and value of ICT planning.”

Using technology to access information and participate in the wired world will offer new and exciting social and economic development opportunities to people throughout the North.