Together we can do just about anything!

Ken Boshcoff M.P.

Residents of large centres such as Toronto or Vancouver find it difficult to imagine the challenges faced by residents of rural communities all across our country. Two of the services that are taken for granted by “city folk” are cellular phone and high speed internet service, yet these technologies are not available to many homes and businesses across the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding.
Thanks to the vision and tenacity of some true leaders in the area, the communities of Dawson, Lake of the Woods, and Alberton have recently had cellular and high speed internet services installed.
The need for cellular phone service in these areas was first raised by Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services, the Morson Women’s Institute and the Morson Tourism Association. The group contacted me immediately following my election as M.P. in 2004 to request my assistance in making this dream a reality. As a regular visitor to the area, I quickly recognized the validity of their case and put the wheels in motion to assist wherever possible.
They were very successful in making their concerns heard and soon had a long list of municipal and First Nations community leaders, business owners, and fellow residents working together towards this common goal.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge at least a few of those who have contributed to this success. Special thanks to the Morson Women’s Institute, Doug McCaig at Norwest Mobility, Richard Bruyere and Dean Bethune at Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services, and the Rainy River Future Development Corporation for working so diligently to make it happen.
The entire community will benefit from the financial support provided by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, FEDNOR, and NorWest Mobility (an operating partnership between TBayTel, The Township of Atikokan, and the Town of Fort Frances). These groups have truly “put their money where their mouth is” in support of this communications project.
There are many other individuals and businesses who have no doubt lent a hand to ensure the realization of this long sought dream. Please know that the positive results of your actions are appreciated by so many.