Don’t meddle with CTI program

I’m pleased that the federal government will invest $500 million toward bringing high-speed Internet to rural communities across Canada under the Connect to Innovate (“CTI”) program. We can likely only expect a maximum of $15 - $20 million to find its way here but we desperately need the investment so hopefully some ambitious community groups submit winning applications.

Our current reality is scary: while many areas in Pictou County (and around the province) don’t have download speeds near five million (the “old” standard), 50 million is now expected and, in fact, many places we compete against can offer businesses speeds of one billion!

Imagine. We have places that don’t even have Internet access and others are working toward speeds of one billion. We can’t compete.

CTI is an opportunity. As a federal initiative, it really has nothing to do with province or the McNeil Liberals (who are still studying the issue!). Why then would the McNeil Liberals be musing about seeking veto power over which Nova Scotia proposals get funded?

I’d hate to see that familiar backroom political interference we saw with new schools rear its ugly head on this file. I hope they stay out of the way and let those communities that take the initiative control their own destiny.

Instead of meddling with CTI, why doesn’t our provincial government follow the lead of Southwest Ontario, which negotiated a partnership with the feds on a unique, significant high-speed project. Why not use their power for good?

Maybe I am a romantic but I believe that the positive impact of high-speed Internet on communities will rival that of the railroad impact all those years ago. Hopefully our government gets on the train to the future and works with communities, not against them.

Tim Houston

MLA, Pictou East