Collectivit� ing�nieuse de la P�ninsule acadienne (CIPA) Inc. launches multi-million dollar Smart Community Project

PAQUETVILLE, NEW BRUNSWICK, June 27th, 2002�The President of Collectivit� ing�nieuse de la P�ninsule acadienne (CIPA) Inc., Nancy Lainey-Th�riault, is pleased today to announce the launch of the New Brunswick demonstration project selected by Industry Canada through the Smart Communities program.

The CIPA will receive $4,583,328 in matching funds from Industry Canada over three years. The Smart Communities Program is part of the Government of Canada�s Connecting Canadians initiative, which aims to make Canada the most connected country in the world.

�Collectivit� ing�nieuse de la P�ninsule acadienne (CIPA) Inc. intends to successfully meet the many challenges set forth in the New Brunswick Smart Community demonstration project,� Ms. Lainey-Th�riault added also that her organization �is fully committed to facilitating the Acadian Peninsula�s entry into the knowledge age and information and communication technologies.�

CIPA will be using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to provide innovative interactive services that will meet local needs in several areas including: economics, education, health, service delivery and networking with the Canadian and international francophonie.

The CIPA project consists of several components:

1. Community involvement and project management;
2. Support services;
3. Smart services;
   • Setting up and operating a community network;
   • Setting up and operating a community portal;
   • Network of Community Access Centres (CACs) and kiosks;
   • Network of Community Training and Education Centres;
   • Business and economic development network;
   • Network of towns, villages and local services districts; and
   • Health and wellness network.