NDP calls for broadband access for rural Ontario to be included in budget

BRANTFORD — As part of his tour of Southwestern Ontario, NDP Deputy Leader John Vanthof met with the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant, saying the Ford government absolutely must include broadband internet service for rural communities in the upcoming provincial budget.

“Broadband internet service will transform rural communities and businesses,” said Vanthof, the NDP’s critic for Agriculture and Rural Development. “Broadband access is in the same infrastructure category as roads and bridges in today’s information economy — it’s a basic necessity, and it’s vital infrastructure that rural Ontarians, families and businesses need.”

Vanthof and the Ontario NDP have long been calling for broadband internet service for rural and northern Ontario. Vanthof’s motion for broadband access passed the legislature on Nov. 15, 2018 — but since then, the government has taken no action. Vanthof wants to see a line item for broadband internet service for rural Ontario in the upcoming provincial budget, and an immediate action plan to get installation moving.

“Modern farms and rural-based businesses need as much technology as businesses in urban areas. Basic technology like broadband internet that is taken for granted in cities is just not available or affordable in rural areas,” said Vanthof, who is the NDP MPP for Timiskaming-Cochrane, and a dairy farmer by trade.

“That’s why together with Andrea Horwath and the NDP, we are calling on the Ford government to ensure that rural Ontarians have the same access to broadband internet service as the rest of the province so rural Ontario can grow and prosper.”

Vanthof said while New Democrats have been calling for investment in rural communities that includes broadband internet service, local schools and hospitals, the previous Liberal governments cut millions in funding for rural communities, and Doug Ford has vowed to cut $6 billion more than the Liberals from public services and programs.

“The Ford Conservatives need to change course when it comes to rural Ontario and stimulate business and growth instead of continuing their cuts and allowing rural Ontario to fall behind,” said Vanthof.