SCOR EDC has been advocating for the need for ubiquitous rural broadband since its inception in 2010. Other organizations such as the WOWC and ROI have also recognized this need as critical to keep rural Ontario and specifically the South Central Ontario region competitive. As a region we are excited to see actions start to take place to make this a reality.
At the end of June Minister Bernadette Jordan, the first Minister of Rural Economic Development, announced two national strategies. The first one is called “Rural Opportunity, National Prosperity. An Economic Development Strategy for Canada” and the second one is called “High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy”.
The rural economic development strategy focuses on:
High-speed internet and wireless connectivity
Rural economics and job creation
Infrastructure to drive economic growth
Protecting rural communities from climate change
Affordable housing
Resident attraction
And partnerships
The connectivity strategy focuses on:
Meeting household and business needs
Making best use of infrastructure
Coordination
Reducing administrative burdens
Improve data sharing
And more
Minister Bernadette Jordan announced that $1.7 billion is new funding will be going towards broadband infrastructure.
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