Thank you, Chair Bradley.
Thank you, Chair Badawey. It's good to see you.
As you, MP Bittle, MP Baldinelli and MP Allison are all aware, Niagara region comprises a large rural base that has experienced tremendous challenges throughout the pandemic in staying connected and informed. This has been due to the lack of broadband service. The region certainly appreciates the government’s recent $4.4-million investment to expand broadband in Niagara region. Nevertheless, 54% of Niagara region’s roads and 13% of its land parcels remain underserviced, and $100 million will still be required over the long term to meet the broadband Internet needs of the Niagara community.
Therefore, it is essential for the federal government to invest in scalable broadband technology that will be relevant over the next decade, as opposed to funding short-term solutions that may not meet the ever-increasing broadband demands. In addition, it is paramount that the coordination between the funding programs be improved to ensure that organizations are not duplicating efforts by bidding on the same broadband service areas, which has resulted in nullified applications. A coordinated funding approach will better alleviate the gaps in coverage in our underserviced areas.