Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 10:48:58 -0400
From: Eric Lilius <elilius@...>
Subject: [CPI-UA] Minister Bernier issues statement about CAP

Hi

I have had a GOOGLE news alert running on Community Access Program.
This popped up yesterday.....funding extended to March 31st, 2007
while they make a decision on long term funding.
This search revealed steady coverage of the story in Nova Scotia with
the Halifax Chronicle Herald leading the charge and the CBC focusing
on the effects of cuts to CAP in Labrador and rural Nova Scotia.

Apparently, 25% of the existing contract is being added to cover the extension.



Eric



OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Oct. 12, 2006) - The Honourable
Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, today issued the following
statement regarding the status of the Community Access Program (CAP):

"In recent days, the federal Community Access Program has been the
subject of much media coverage and public debate. Unfortunately, this
has led to some misconceptions about the current status and long-term
future of the program.

"It is important to note that transition work for this program was
already well underway when Canada's new government came to power in
February 2006. In fact, it is the previous Liberal government that
reduced CAP funding from $25 million in 2005 to $8.8 million in 2006.

"These past reductions required me and my officials at Industry
Canada to look at options for the long-term future of the program. I
can assure you that this work is ongoing and all options are
currently being considered.

"However, contrary to some reports, this review is in no way related
to the spending restraint measures announced on September 25, 2006 by
the Minister of Finance and the President of the Treasury Board.

"To facilitate the ongoing operation of this program while future
options are being considered, I have directed transitional funding to
ensure that CAP network partners are able to plan for the rest of the
fiscal year, until March 31, 2007.

"Once the examination is complete, Industry Canada will announce its
decision regarding the long-term future of the Community Access
Program."

--
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Eric Lilius
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