SmartLabrador Inc. (formerly known as the Labrador IT Initiative) is an incorporated social enterprise that reflects a cooperative development strategy of the five economic development corporations of Labrador.
It was founded in 1997 to ensure effective utilization of information technologies (IT) in business, human resources and community economic development in Labrador. The goals of SmartLabrador include:

• Increased awareness of the benefits and potential of information technology;
  
• Equal access to the information highway, for all communities;
  
• Skilled population to meet the demands of the knowledge economy;
  
• Increased development of IT business opportunities and partnerships.
  

SmartLabrador Inc. offers consulting services provincially, nationally and internationally regarding the use of technology and community partnership models by rural communities for economic and social development. It has been instrumental in developing services and training initiatives throughout Labrador to encourage adoption and innovation in the use of broadband access. SmartLabrador has significant experience in developing and managing a physical network including land and satellite connections and developing capacity and capability in rural and remote communities to utilize ICT access such as the Internet, videoconferencing services, and online applications for community development.

SmartLabrador began as the Smart Communities Demonstration Project for the province of Newfoundland & Labrador. Further information regarding that project is available on our archived website.

Since the conclusion of the Smart Communities project, SmartLabrador has continued its work in building ICT capacity in Labrador. Current services and projects include:

• Coastal Heritage Experience Project
  
• North Atlantic Knowledge Network
  
• Creative Solutions for Coastal Communities Conference
  
• ICT Support
  
  • CAP Site Support
    
  • Zone Board ICT Support
    

• Internet Services Division
  
  • Web Site Development
    
  • Web Hosting
    
  • Custom Online Applications Development
    

• Networking Labrador
  
  • Broadband Access
    
  • OurLabrador Community Portal
    
  • Labrador's Virtual Museum
    
  • Labrador Heritage Mall
    

In cooperation with NORA and the Harris Centre, SmartLabrador hosted a three-day international conference in the Labrador Straits region. The conference brought together representatives from countries of the North Atlantic rim to discuss common challenges and to share solutions.

Further information is available at the Creative Solutions website.

SmartLabrador leads a partnership for the operation of the Forteau CAP Site. This CAP site is one of five public access points in the Labrador Straits region and is supported through the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Access Program.