A government agency meant to develop the economy in northern Ontario is denying applications for broadband investments, and now Charlie Angus wants to know why. The MP for Timmins-James Bay says FedNor has been walking away from the investments, which is putting the security of provincial funding at risk.
Angus says these investments are essential to bring the economy into the 21st century, especially in rural communities where crumbling infrastructure can leave residents isolated. He says at minimum, the feds need to review the denied applications and bridge them into another program.
Angus says the decision to ignore rural connectivity in the north is a sign that sensitivity to the northern reality is lacking in the federal government. He is now looking for answers on why these applications are being denied, and what it will take to get some money for broadband investments.
An open letter from Angus to the Minister of Economic Development, Navdeep Bains, is below.
JUNE 30 2016 – Letter – FedNor Broadband