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Telecom Order CRTC 2024-66

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Ottawa, 21 March 2024

Public record: 1011-NOC2022-0325

Broadband Fund – Acceptance of statement of work for Keewaytinook Okimakanak’s satellite project in northern Ontario

Background

  1. In Broadband Fund – Project funding approval for Keewaytinook Okimakanak’s satellite project in Northern Ontario, Telecom Decision CRTC 2023-419, 20 December 2023 (Telecom Decision 2023-419), the Commission awarded up to $8,175,000 to Keewaytinook Okimakanak for its project to increase satellite transport capacity in two Indigenous communities in northern Ontario.
  2. The Commission later received written acceptance of this funding award from Keewaytinook Okimakanak. The Commission received a completed statement of work package for the project on 8 March 2024.
  3. Keewaytinook Okimakanak requested the ability to file Broadband Fund claim forms as payments are made to their satellite service provider for the first four months of the contract, in order to better manage their cash flow during the early life of the project. This would result in Keewaytinook Okimakanak submitting claims more frequently than the regular quarterly cycle. Following the first four months, Keewaytinook Okimakanak would submit claim forms every three months but would request to revert to monthly submissions if needed.

Commission’s analysis

  1. The Commission finds that the statement of work package does not present any significant variances from the original funding application.
  2. The Commission notes that Keewaytinook Okimakanak will be required to submit a change request to the Commission if there are material changes with respect to the contract for satellite services.
  3. The Commission considers that more frequent claims would create minimal administrative burden and would significantly benefit Keewaytinook Okimakanak and the two communities being served.

Conclusion

  1. Having reviewed the documents submitted, the Commission approves the finalized statement of work and will provide it separately and in confidence to Keewaytinook Okimakanak.
  2. Provided that Keewaytinook Okimakanak complies with all conditions of funding set out in Telecom Decision 2023-419, implements the project as described in Schedule A: Statement of Work, and complies with all procedural requirements to submit reports, invoices, and requests for funding, the Commission will direct the Central Fund Administrator to make payments to Keewaytinook Okimakanak in respect of the project. Failure to comply with these conditions and requirements could result in funding being delayed or not being disbursed.
  3. The Commission reminds Keewaytinook Okimakanak of the condition of funding set out in subparagraph 39(h) of Telecom Decision 2023-419. This condition is that if Keewaytinook Okimakanak becomes aware of a risk of adverse impact on an Aboriginal or treaty right and a duty to consult exists, Keewaytinook Okimakanak must advise the Commission within 20 days and submit a plan detailing the form and process for fulfilment of the duty. Should such circumstances arise, the release of any additional funding will be contingent on Keewaytinook Okimakanak demonstrating that any necessary consultations were held to the Crown’s satisfaction.
  4. Keewaytinook Okimakanak must attest and provide evidence that services are being offered as presented in the project services portion of the statement of work package. Claim forms are to be submitted, at a minimum, every three months.

Secretary General

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