March 4th, 2021

Sault NDP Candidate backs Chamber call for broadband support in Ontario budget

SAULT STE. MARIE — Michele McCleave-Kennedy, the NDP Candidate for Sault Ste. Marie, is backing the local Chamber of Commerce’s call for broadband support in Ontario’s upcoming budget — saying it’s a long-held NDP priority that would help local families and small businesses get through the pandemic and bounce back stronger than ever.

Rory Ring, CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, recently flagged broadband as a regional priority as the Ontario Chamber of Commerce made its pre-budget submission.

“Being able to go online has been a lifeline for so many families and small businesses during the pandemic, whether that’s for remote learning or setting up an online store to stay afloat through lockdowns,” said McCleave-Kennedy. “But it hasn’t been so easy for folks in Northern Ontario, as not everyone has reliable Internet access. That can mean a lost connection when you’re on a Zoom call with a client, or a frozen screen in the middle of a challenging math lesson.

“Broadband expansion can’t come fast enough to the region, so I’m pleased to see our local chamber of commerce advocating for it to be a priority in the province’s upcoming budget. It’s frustrating that the Liberals and Conservative haven’t backed this priority with the funding and urgency needed to get it done already.”

McCleave-Kennedy said she is committed to fighting for broadband access in Northern Ontario, and the NDP is calling for a COVID-19 broadband strategy and vowing to guarantee that every Ontarian has access to this essential service no later than 2030.

“Folks in Northern Ontario deserve to have the same access to affordable, high-speed Internet as people in urban parts of the province do,” said McCleave-Kennedy. “I am urging Mr. Romano and the Ford government to listen to the Sault Chamber and make the investments needed in the upcoming budget to bring broadband to Northern Ontario faster.

“As our local chamber of commerce has recognized, we can help small businesses in the region bounce back from the pandemic by expediting the expansion of affordable, high-speed Internet. Small businesses and families can count on me to keep up the pressure until we have universal access to broadband in our community.”