Mantha congratulates community for work on high-speed internet for Algoma-Manitoulin

@ South Asia Journal Desk
Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha commended the community and local leaders for their work on getting the provincial and federal governments to the table for broadband internet, after both levels of government announced $170 million in funding for Northeastern Ontario. This time, says Mantha, it’s time to make sure an announcement turns into action.
“I want to highlight the tireless efforts of those in our riding who brought both levels of government to the table to provide residents with the coverage they need,” said Mantha. “Groups such as Huron Shores and Manitoulin Island Community Owned Fiber Infrastructure (H&M COFI) Corporation are leading the way in bringing economic opportunity to our riding.
“The work of our community and local leaders have made this funding possible and I am very pleased to have been able to support their efforts on local broadband internet that will level the playing field for northern business, education, and families. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that having reliable access to the internet is essential.”
Mantha said the province must ensure the funding flows as quickly as possible to get work started on improving local internet coverage and says the Ford government still has a lot of work ahead to provide coverage across the Algoma-Manitoulin region.
“While this a significant step for people in our riding, the province must build more partnerships with more communities and with First Nations so that northerners can have more access to high speed internet.”
According to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), as many as 1.4 million people living in Ontario are underserved or unserved when it comes to high-speed internet.