'Team Nova Scotia' Wins Computer Contract
A team of Nova Scotia companies led by MicroNet will provide more than 5,000 computers to schools across the province over the next two years under a $12.8-million contract.
The goal is to give young people and communities the tools they need to live, work and succeed in the information economy.
"Nova Scotia's economy is stronger than ever before, and we'll keep it strong by investing in our young people, our rural communities and economic sectors with real growth potential," said Premier Russell MacLellan. "The province is committed to providing young people with the tools they need to make the most of their lives."
"The MicroNet proposal speaks to the strength, innovation and leadership of Nova Scotia companies in IT," said Senator Al Graham, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, representing Fred Mifflin, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
"This is about homegrown partnerships," continued Senator Graham. "A real strength of the MicroNet proposal is the Team Nova Scotia approach, promising economic benefits to every region. We expect them to deliver."
The MicroNet contract is for Intel-based technology, used in about 80 per cent of schools, and provides substantially more computers than initially expected. About 180 secondary schools will receive computers over the next two years. Software, professional development, networking and technical support are other key elements of the agreement. A separate contract for Macintosh systems should be awarded shortly.
The contracts are part of the Information Economy Initiative, a three-year project announced in May 1998 under the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification. Components of the initiative include technology in schools, IT projects at universities, and increased technology capacity for community economic development.
"Nova Scotia is a leader in information technology and this is just another example of our determination to remain out in front," said Wayne Gaudet, Minister of Education and Culture. "This initiative supports the development of the IT industry, which creates jobs, and also gives our young people the skills they need to prepare to fill these jobs when they leave school."
Margaret Forbes, president of the Nova Scotia School Boards Association, said the initiative will increase opportunities for students to realize their full potential. "Technology is an invaluable tool in practically every facet of our lives. These computers will assist the public education system in providing students with the training they need to secure their future."
On the team with MicroNet of Halifax are: IBM, Silicon Island/McKenzie College of Cape Breton, Innovative Systems Ltd. of New Minas, Alliance Computer Systems of Sydney, and Instructor Aids of Halifax. The project was tendered and proposals evaluated by representatives from the four provincial government departments, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and seven school boards.
"As a team comprising Nova Scotia-based companies, MicroNet is extremely happy to play a part in ensuring our education system will meet and even exceed the needs of students entering a work environment increasingly dependent upon computer technology," said MicroNet president Ray Courtney.
"We are dedicated to ensuring that the students of Nova Scotia will be provided with IT facilities that are second to none and which will prepare them to represent Nova Scotia in what is quickly becoming a global economy."
Under the Information Economy Initiative, about $38 million in total is earmarked for public schools. These funds will allow for the purchase of hardware, software, professional development, networking and Internet connections, and other technical support.
An additional $35 million is being invested in IT development in universities and communities. At $73.2 million, the Information Economy Initiative is the largest single technology investment in Nova Scotia's history.
The Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification is managed federally by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. and provincially by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
Note: The following is intended for use by broadcast media.
A team of Nova Scotia companies will provide more
than five-thousand computers to junior and senior high
schools across the province over the next two years.
The government today announced a 12-point-eight-
million-dollar contract has been awarded to the group,
led by MicroNet of Halifax.
The contract is for Intel-based technology.
Software, professional development, networking and
technical support are other key elements of the agreement.
Other members of the team are: I-B-M, Silicon Island/
McKenzie College of Cape Breton, Innovative Systems Ltd.
of New Minas, Alliance Computer Systems of Sydney,
and Instructor Aids of Halifax.
The contract is part of the Information Economy
Initiative, a three-year project announced in May 1998 under
a federal/provincial economic diversification agreement.