Harper Promises Broadband Expansion Into More Rural Communities

Submitted Article. Photo courtesy of the Township of South Glengarry Facebook page.

Lancaster Ontario — Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s campaign bus was spotted in Cornwall this morning heading towards Lancaster. Harper was at the Munro Agromart making an announcement regarding broadband infrastructure improvements in rural and remote areas.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today promised his government would continue to dramatically improve broadband connectivity in rural Canada.

“Quite simply, there is probably no infrastructure more critical than the internet to ensuring the future prosperity of our vast country,” said Prime Minister Harper. “In today’s digital economy, access to the internet is essential to create jobs, realize economic opportunities and connect Canadians to online services.”

While Canada is one of the most connected nations in the world, some gaps in broadband access still exist, particularly in rural and remote areas of the country.

Today, the Prime Minister announced that a re-elected Conservative government would set aside a further $200 million to support major new investments in fibre broadband infrastructure in rural and remote communities that currently lack high-speed internet.

“Canadians who live in rural areas expect and deserve the same quality of life and access to services,” said the Prime Minister. “By investing in rural broadband, we are not only improving the quality of life of rural Canadians, we are helping to fuel economic growth in rural areas.”