Accelerating Internet is Imperative to Economic Recovery

(Toronto – November 4, 2020) – Today, Rocco Rossi, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce released the following statement in response to the Government of Ontario’s announcement to further expand broadband across the province in collaboration with the private sector.

“Broadband is a basic infrastructure requirement in today’s economy, but the ongoing pandemic has made it even more essential to public health and economic resilience.

“We welcome the Government of Ontario’s additional investments to improve broadband and cellular coverage in underserved communities.

“Canada’s telecommunications networks are the most advanced in the world. The vast majority of heavy lifting has been done by the private sector which has invested heavily in digital infrastructure. However, there remains unserved and underserved communities that require the government to step in.

“For business, health care, and education, particularly those workers practicing physical distancing, connectivity is necessary to ensure they can remain productive by using digital tools such as video conferencing. Without adequate access, those in rural and remote regions will be vulnerable to additional layoffs and business closures.

“We hope to see the federal government consider how to both expedite and increase the federal investment for broadband connectivity to help further support Ontarians in unserved and underserved communities.”

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the independent, non-partisan, indispensable partner of Ontario business. The OCC’s mission is to support economic growth in Ontario by defending business priorities at Queen’s Park on behalf of its network’s diverse 60,000 members.

For more information, please contact:
Ceara Copps – Edwards, Manager, Public Affairs
cearacoppsedwards@occ.ca| Mobile: (647) 936-6734