May 25, 2020
Bob Bailey
MPP for Sarnia-Lambton
102-805 Christina Street, North
Point Edward, Ontario N7V 1X6
Marilyn Gladu
MP for Sarnia-Lambton
1000 Finch Drive, Unit 2
Sarnia, Ontario N7S 6G5
Monte McNaughton
MPP of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
81 Front Street, West
Strathroy, Ontario N7G 1X6
Lianne Rood
MP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
65 Front Street, West
Strathroy, Ontario N7G 1X6
RE: Unstable Internet within Rural Communities
In the wake of the pandemic, Ontario has realized the difference between its needs and wants. Ontario needs its rural agriculture sector to provide for the province, and the rural agriculture sector needs its province to provide stable, reliable internet services to those in rural communities.
The lack of internet in rural Lambton County has become more than just an annoyance. It inhibits the essential production and growth of agriculture related activities. Farmers need access to data files and technological mapping tools to improve their crop yields. When these tools are unavailable to the farmer, the entire province suffers.
The livelihood of the rural farmer is not the only casualty from the insufficient internet connection. His/her family and employees are also at a disadvantage while working in the remote area. Places of business are beginning to demand workers work from home and if the farm does not have reliable access to internet then the job cannot be completed properly.
When it comes to the financial burden, we urge the Province to consider partnerships. On May 13, the Thames Valley District School Board partnered with surrounding counties and Cisco Canada to provide their students with reliable internet. The three organizations united to distribute more than 600 wireless devices to students and enhance Wi-Fi signals outside of public buildings. Having these extra measures in place will allow rural children access to the same undisrupted education that the urban families take for granted.
Poor internet should not be synonymous with country living. Ontario’s agricultural sector provides for the entire province and the same care that is given to the urban cities should be afforded to those in remote rural areas.
Respectfully yours,
The Lambton Federation of Agriculture
cc: Marilyn Gladu, Member of Parliament: Sarnia-Lambton