QUISPAMSIS, NB – The Canadian Cable Systems Alliance (CCSA) is offering a thumbs-up to the new Standing Committee on Finance’s (FINA) report for its recommendations on measures to enhance communications infrastructure for rural and remote communities.
The report, Driving Inclusive Growth: Spurring Productivity And Competitiveness In Canada, is based on pre-budget consultations between September 19 to December 1, 2017 in advance of the 2018 federal budget. The report's summary says the annual process is the central means for Canadian individuals and businesses to express their budgetary priorities to the federal government.
The CCSA said that it was “pleased” to see its input acknowledged in the following recommendations contained in the report:
– Allocating funds necessary to reach full coverage of high-speed internet service across Canada;
– Advancing the Infrastructure Bank to leverage the private sector for infrastructure investments in such areas as transportation, telecommunications and energy networks; and
– Simplifying the application approval process for federal infrastructure programs.
CCSA CEO Jay Thomson described the committee’s recommendations as “absolutely a step in the right direction in terms of ensuring access to broadband infrastructure is available to all Canadians, regardless of where they live”.
“This year, our organization had the opportunity to appear before FINA and speak in greater detail on the many issues faced by Canadians living outside of urban centres, and it is clear from this report that committee members recognize the impact communications infrastructure has in all communities from coast to coast to coast”, said Thomson, in a statement. “Our members are encouraged by the government’s work toward providing access to broadband services for all Canadians, particularly through its Connect to Innovate program, but much more needs to be done. We look forward to continuing to work with the government and MPs from all parties to ensure Canadians have access to broadband connectivity, something we consider a necessity.”
