Charlie Angus is continuing his crusade for better investments into broadband infrastructure in the north. The MP for Timmins-James Bay says projects for things like better cell phone coverage and high speed internet are being sidelined because of a lack of FedNor funding. He says FedNor has lost half of its budget, and a quarter of its staff.
Angus says there is a new program called Connecting Canadians, but it’s not helpful. That’s because the program isn’t accepting applications from the north for another two years. So, Angus says the region is now falling even further behind, and having a two-year delay shows the feds just don’t get it.
Angus says broadband isn’t a luxury anymore; it’s about families paying taxes, students doing their homework, and getting proper medical services. He says it’s also about economic development and diversification, as well as job creation.
Angus is not alone in this crusade, as the Timmins Chamber of Commerce has also recognized the lack of broadband investments in the area is a problem. The chamber says local businesses are becoming increasingly dependent on high-speed internet. It also notes that it’s critical for all regions across Ontario have adequate access to the essential infrastructure.
(With files from: Rudy Kadlec)
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