The next step is the establishment of Smart Communities that explore innovative ways of using the Internet. The resulting changes in the way life is lived, and business is done, will be continuous, global and fundamental. For example, in Owen Sound that translates to community profile websites which provide information on all aspects of community life, from leisure activities and local events, to business directories and opportunities, to volunteer services and chat rooms. The government intends to make Canada the world leader in the global Smart Communities initiative. And we are well on our way.
Speed is what lies at the heart of Internet technology.
The ever more dazzling rate at which information moves across the Net is one of the key reasons people have bought into the technology far more rapidly than they did to the telephone, radio or television. This is approximately 16 times faster than the American equivalent, the Abilene network project, which is designed to transport data at 2.4 gigabits per second. Access to the Internet is one thing - finding useful information is another. The Government of Canada is committed to making its information resources available online, especially for small business. Industry Canada has been a forerunner in using the web to disseminate the most comprehensive business data base in Canada through our Strategis web site.