FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 1993


TELECOMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
WILL HELP SHAPE ONTARIO'S ECONOMIC FUTURE

	TORONTO - Premier Bob Rae and Economic Development and Trade
Minister Francis Lankin today outlined a comprehensive, multi-year
strategy for telecommunications that will invest $100 million
jobsOntario funding in this key sector, provide access for telecom
projects to the governments $150 million Sector Partnership Fund and
shape the government's telecom policy.

	"Telecommunications is a key sector and a critical
infrastructure that will be a driving force in securing Ontario"s
economic future and our competitiveness in the global marketplace," said
Minister Lankin.  "Based on a compelling vision statement -- Through
telecommunications, Ontario and Canada, the best place in the world to
live, work, learn and do business -- Ontario's telecommunications
strategy points to our future.".

	The Premier announced $100 million in jobsOntario funding for
the delivery of the Ontario Network Infrastructure Program (ONIP) -- a
program designed to accelerate the development of
telecommunications-based information networks in partnership with the
private sector.

	"This is a strategic investment in Ontario's future," said the
Premier.  "The information networks supported under this program will
foster business competitiveness, strengthen Ontario's research
capability, provide opportunities for life-long education and training,
support community development -- and create jobs now and in the future."

	The government is now open for business for telecommunications
projects through the government's $150 million Sector Partnership Fund
(SPF).  A Telecommunications Sector Framework has been approved under 
the SPF to focus on four priority areas:  developing new telecomm
applications; forming innovative business entreprises; establishing
specialized sectoral infrastructure; and enhancing market development
and promotion.

	The multi-year strategy is based on the strategic priorities and
vision statement recommended in Telecommunications - Enabling Ontario's
Future, a report prepared for the province by a 22-member advisory
committee with representatives from the telecom sector, business,
government, labour and community-based interests.

	The strategy is a government-wide commitment, she said.
Management Board will lead the way for the Ontario government to become
a model user of telecommunications and other information technologies.
The Ministry of Education and Training will lead the development of an
education and training strategy for telecommunications.

	Minister Lankin also announced that the province will take a
strong advocacy role before the industry, the federal government and the
CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommuncations Commission) in
Ontario's interests.

	A new telecommunications council will work with Lankin to
recommend priorities, initiatives and timetables for the future growth
of telecommunications in the province.  Partnership will be crucial in
building an information infrastructure for Ontario, Lankin said.

	Jim Coombs, a former President and CEO of SaskTel, will serve as
council Chair.  Serving as Vice-Chairs are Sheelagh Whittaker, President
and CEO of Canadian Satellite Communications Inc., (Cancon) and Don
Tapscott, Vice-President, Technology, DMR Group Inc., and Chair of the
former advisory committee.

	"The strategy is a plan of action that will require all of us in
government, business, labour and the community to work together.  The
council will be a champion for the ongoing strategy and will work with
government as we move forward," said Minister Lankin.




Media Contact:		Russell Drago
			Marketing and Information Services
			(416) 314-7232

			Anna Larson
			Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
			(416) 325-6686

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