Universal Access to High-Speed Internet must be a National Priority

  |  
August 26, 2021

As the federal election campaign unfolds, we can expect continued debate about how we can best advance a post-pandemic recovery that creates opportunities for Canadians and their families and protects our environment. Regardless of which party prevails on September 20, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) believes that the provision of connectivity for all Canadians is essential to Canada’s economic recovery.

Over the last year, the pandemic has dramatically changed the way many of us work and live.  It has also effectively demonstrated the extent to which we all depend on reliable digital networks to keep us connected to our family, friends, jobs, and other parts of our daily lives. At the same time, an estimated two million Canadian households continue to be digitally under serviced and only about one-third of Indigenous communities have access to high-speed internet. It is simply unacceptable that so many communities and Canadians are without a service so essential to life.

Canada’s forestry workers and their families touch more than 600 communities across the country – most of which are in rural and northern communities. Canadians rely on us to produce a range of in-demand goods like wood for building construction, masks and gowns for the health care sector, packaging for food, and hygiene products like tissue and toilet paper.

In our business, reliable internet access or cell coverage is an imperative that allows us to use basic technology to efficiently streamline operations, attract young workers, and meet customer demands.  There is also a community safety element to universal connectivity that is too important to overlook – especially in the face of worsening natural disturbances like the devastating fire season we are witnessing this year.

The launch of the Universal Broadband Fund in November 2020 was a step in the right direction. As the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Rural Forum Chair Ray Orb said in response to the $1.75 billion program, “It’s time for rural communities across the country to have reliable internet access. This is about making sure local businesses have the tools they need to succeed and that families can access quality healthcare and education. Entire communities rely on internet to connect and grow, we need to get to work on bridging Canada’s connectivity gap.”

We at FPAC could not agree more.

Ottawa recently announced more than $1.4 billion in funding to extend broadband internet to approximately 40,000 homes in rural and remote areas. However, it remains clear that there needs to be a greater level of collaboration and investment by government, regulators, and those who build our networks, to help create a greater level of equity across our nation – and ensure our rural and northern communities aren’t left behind.

In working with our members across the country, we continue to share with Ottawa decision-makers, updated lists on the dozens of municipalities and Indigenous communities with forestry connections that do not have the cell and internet access they need.

It is our hope that during this federal election campaign all parties will continue to support the important call to ensure all Canadians have reliable access to high-speed internet. The future of our northern and rural communities and their ability to strengthen their post-pandemic economies depends on it.

For more information contact:
Kerry Patterson-Baker
Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
kpatterson-baker@fpac.ca
(613) 563-1441 x 314
Follow FPAC on Twitter: @FPAC_APFC
February 13, 2024
Canada’s Forest Sector Unveils Roadmap Toward Net-Zero at Globe Forum 2024
As global leaders representing government, business and the environment meet in Vancouver this week, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has launched an important report
Read This
February 12, 2024
Recognizing Research Excellence: Canadian Forestry Innovation Awards Program Now Accepting Applications
The Chisholm Awards for Innovation in Forestry, now in its third year, is opening its doors once again to celebrate the innovative spirit and leadership of young students and researchers in Canada’s forest sector.
Read This
December 14, 2023
Canada’s Forest Sector Welcomes Federal Pre-Approved Housing Design Initiative
Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) welcomes the federal government's move to introduce a catalogue of pre-approved, ready-to-build housing designs
Read This
December 11, 2023
COP 28: Canada’s Forest Sector Unveils Roadmap to Support Climate Resilience and Emissions Reduction Targets
COP 28: Canada’s Forest Sector Unveils Roadmap to Support Climate Resilience and Emissions Reduction Targets
Read This
September 21, 2020
Lisa Raitt Honoured As Community Champion By Canada's Forest Products Sector
Forest Products Association of Canada recognizes former minister Lisa Raitt's leadership in the forestry sector with Forestry Community Champion award
Read This
November 13, 2019
The Search for Canada's Greenest Workforce
Canada's forest industry is a top employer and global leader in sustainability, forest management, clean technology and innovation
Read This
March 21, 2019
Standing Tall with Canada's Forest Workers on International Day of Forests
Forest Products Association of Canada celebrates forestry communities, workers and world leading forestry management for International Day of Forests
Read This
February 20, 2019
Opinion | Workforce Diversity - Canada's Forest Sector Branches Out
Forest Products Association of Canada embraces diversity and encourages women and indigenous to join the forestry workforce
Read This
September 11, 2023
Aaron Wilde: Blog 5: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Aaron Wilde: Blog 5: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
September 11, 2023
Amanda Pacholczak: A Love Letter to the Mill: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Amanda Pacholczak: A Love Letter to the Mill: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
September 11, 2023
Olivia Becher: Vlog 5: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Olivia Becher: Vlog 5: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
September 11, 2023
Annika Clark: Working for Interfor Adams Lake: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Annika Clark: Working for Interfor Adams Lake: 2023 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
October 20, 2021
Canada’s Forest Sector Supports New National Program for Indigenous Youth
Earlier today, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) made a $10,000 commitment to support the Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) and its education and training program for Indigenous youth.
Read This
October 5, 2021
From Zero Waste to Net Zero, Canada’s Forests Are Critical to a Cleaner, Greener Future
Canada’s sustainably-managed forests and the carbon-storing wood products they provide are key to supporting Canada’s transition to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050 - meeting conservation targets and creating the quality green jobs of tomorrow at the same time.
Read This
July 15, 2021
Canadas Forest Sector Announces Winners of Annual Green Dream Internship Program
Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) is pleased to announce the winners of its annual Green Dream Internship Program. Winners will blog about their work experiences in Canada’s forests and mills over the course of the summer. 
Read This
November 4, 2020
Partnering for Success - The Annual Industrial Consumption and Energy (ICE) Survey
FPAC and Statistics Canada celebrate five year partnership, collecting energy efficiency data in the the forest sector, supporting a low carbon economy
Read This