Construction of the Dempster Fibre Line is complete

High-speed internet isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Working with the territorial government and internet service providers, your federal government is bringing high-speed internet to 90.6 per cent of Yukon homes by 2026, and every home in the territory by the end of 2030. In today’s digital world, communities large and small need a reliable internet connection to grow their businesses and access the services they rely on.

Ensuring that northern communities have access to high-speed internet is a necessity in our increasingly digital world. The construction of new fibre technology and additional network infrastructure will soon connect hundreds of homes and businesses with family, friends, customers and essential services. This network will get us one step closer to connecting all Canadians to high-speed internet.

The Dempster Fibre Line demonstrates our government’s commitment to advancing telecommunications in the North. Once commissioned, it will not only boost the Yukon’s digital ecosystem and connectivity but also provide a crucial second redundant route for internet service, helping protect against disruptions like those faced this summer. This project showcases the hard work and expertise of all those involved, as well as the essential collaboration with First Nations and Indigenous groups along the route. Our government is grateful for the dedicated work undertaken by ROHL Global Networks, Northwestel and all the people who contributed to making the Dempster Fibre Line a reality.

The completion of the Dempster Fibre Line project is a landmark achievement for northern Canada, underscoring the essential role of resilient telecommunication infrastructure in empowering communities and driving economic development. This project is distinguished not only by its successful implementation across vast and remote ecologically sensitive regions but also by its steadfast adherence to Canada's highest cultural and environmental standards. It sets a new benchmark for future infrastructure projects, particularly in its meaningful and substantial inclusion of Indigenous participation. The invaluable contributions of Indigenous employees, businesses and leaders from the Traditional Territories along the Fiber Line’s route were instrumental to the project's success. ROHL is proud to have partnered with the Yukon government, Indigenous People, and residents across the Yukon and Northwest Territories to realize this visionary project!

Today marks an important milestone towards closing the Canada North Fibre Loop. Once the Yukon government’s Dempster Fibre Line is in operation, the North will enjoy a redundant ring of fibre connectivity, which will bring more protection to Northerners from service disruptions. I’d like to congratulate the Yukon government and all those involved in the construction of the Dempster Valley Fibre Line. Northwestel is proud to have contributed $15 million to this project and will continue our work with our partners as quickly as possible to commission, test and connect the line to our fibre-powered network. I speak for the 500-plus northern team members at Northwestel when I say we are honoured to operate and maintain this 4,000-kilometre fibre network that crosses so many traditional Indigenous territories and keeps our northern communities connected.