The federal government identified five groups for funding under the Broadband and Rural and Northern Development (BRAND) initiative. The Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development has provided supplemental provincial funding to four of these projects, all on the Island portion of the province and indicated the $241,000 required for the Smart Labrador project will not be considered.

"Smart Labrador has proven itself over the past number of years with high quality performance to the people in Labrador," said Jones. "I am surprised that government decided to fund four other projects but ignored Smart Labrador. This group has provided first-rate service to the public, businesses and government.

"Government does not know the impact this decision will have on the services provided in Labrador. A small amount of government funding would see the continuance of the $12 million investment that has been made in Labrador thus far. Instead, due to this decision that has obviously not been well thought out, all staff will be laid off, equipment dismantled and all services withdrawn. Rural areas, especially Labrador were not considered when this decision was made.

"By accessing a small amount of provincial funding, this group could continue to operate as the broad band initiative commences next year. Acquiring the provincial support would also allow Smart Labrador to access other funding sources to provide additional services to rural communities. I am calling on the provincial government to reconsider their decision immediately."