FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Better Broadband Service Coming Soon\/ Investment will help farmers, businesses and rural residents take part in the digital economy <\/p>\n\n\n\n
BRANTFORD \u2014 Ontario\u2019s Government is funding the expansion of broadband internet into the southwest. Infrastructure Minister Monte McNaughton recently unveiled a key piece of the province\u2019s budget commitment to improve people\u2019s connections, no matter where they live. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The government will contribute up to $63.7 million towards the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project. SWIFT is a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in the region. Projects will be delivered with support from other levels of government. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
MPP Will Bouma stated the announcement was a game changer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToo many people in Brantford-Brant do not have access to high-speed internet. That\u2019s unacceptable,\u201d said Bouma. \u201cToday\u2019s funding announcement means people in our community are one step closer to getting reliable, fast internet.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve heard too many stories about parents sitting in fast-food restaurants or going to the local library to get Wi-Fi for their kids\u2019 homework,\u201d said McNaughton. \u201cWe want rural residents and businesses to be able to stream high-speed internet from their homes, farms and businesses. It\u2019s time smaller communities across the province joined the digital economy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The investment is part of a $315 million commitment the provincial government is making to ensure communities across Ontario have access to high-speed internet and better cell phone service, fulfilling a campaign pledge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With better access, people can work remotely, access e-commerce platforms, learn online and research at home. People can also access health care and government services and stay connected to friends and family. Better internet means businesses will be able to connect to customers and new markets, making it easier to share information, close deals and process payments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
QUICK FACTS \uf0a7 Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) is a not-for-profit corporation initiated by the Western Ontario Wardens\u2019 Caucus, a group of 15 municipalities. SWIFT is focused on improving connectivity in Southwestern Ontario, Caledon and the Niagara Region. The project is delivered with support from Ontario and other levels of government. \uf0a7 Ontario is supporting the SWIFT project in southwestern Ontario, committing up to $63.7 million in funding toward SWIFT\u2019s total project costs of more than $190 million. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
QUOTES \u201cReliable high-speed internet is vital to the success of our farms and the well-being of families across Ontario. For too long, it hasn\u2019t been available. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture applauds the Ontario government for making a priority of this and any other initiative that helps solve this problem.\u201d \u2013Keith Currie, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSWIFT represents a significant change in the way we think about and fund investments in broadband. Today\u2019s announcement is proof that we are moving in the right direction to address the region\u2019s connectivity challenges. We need to narrow the digital divide and make small-town Ontario more competitive in the information economy.\u201d \u2013David Mayberry, Chair, Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDedicated investment in broadband and cellular networks is good progress. People need to be connected to participate in today\u2019s economy \u2013 broadband is a key part of Ontario\u2019s infrastructure, especially for the many rural and northern communities that lag behind urban centres.\u201d \u2013Jamie McGarvey, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are pleased by the government\u2019s investment in critical broadband and cellular infrastructure in Southwestern Ontario. Access to high-speed internet is a basic requirement of the 21st century economy, much like roads, bridges, and electricity.\u201d \u2013 Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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For more information, contact MPP Will Bouma at 519-759-0361 or will.bouma@pc.ola.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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