Thank you so much, MP Hutchings.
The studies that have been done on broadband and the work that's been done in Canada before clearly show that there is a direct link between connectivity and job creation and economic development.
What we are seeing in studies—for example in Europe, which is much smaller and has much less complex geography than ours—is that there's a 32% increase in the gross domestic product when connectivity is achieved. For every dollar invested, there are a whole range of economic impacts that simply lead to jobs.
We're seeing it now. There are businesses in my community and across the country on Main Street that aren't able to benefit from the same kind of customers showing up and engaging in commerce. These businesses are ready to go online. They are ready to make that big leap, but because they don't have access, they can't open up their businesses to a range of customers.
This Christmas I hope that as Canadians we are all going to be encouraging a “buy local” initiative. That “buy local” initiative can take place online. Where it can't, those businesses on Main Street need our support, now more than ever, so that they can get through this difficult winter.
We will be there to connect them to high-speed Internet. We will be there to support them in all the ways that Minister Ng just mentioned, while connectivity will definitely lead to economic growth and opportunities for the young and the young at heart.