Canada and Ontario Increasing Access to High-Speed Internet Service in Brant County

Dec 08, 2023

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing over $3.1 million to bring reliable high-speed internet to 1,639 families, farms, and businesses in Brant County.

“Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to prosper in our increasingly digital world,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement marks another milestone for homes, businesses, and farms in Brant County that can now connect to essential online services and enjoy the additional opportunities that come with high-speed internet.”

The federal and provincial governments have partnered with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc. to provide residents in the communities of Harrisburg, Harley, Fairfield Plain, Burtch, Newport, and Middleport with access to broadband infrastructure that will enable high-speed internet service.

“Ontario continues to deliver on its commitment to expand access to high-speed internet to communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By installing new broadband infrastructure in Brant County, we’re building Ontario and strengthening rural communities. This investment is helping people stay in touch with loved ones, allowing families to connect with online services, and making it easier for businesses to reach potential customers.”

This announcement marks the completion of one more project under SWIFT and builds on the Ontario government’s plan to get the right infrastructure in the right places - ensuring people can live, work and farm where they want.

“Today, more than ever, Ontario families and businesses rely on reliable and fast internet connectivity,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant. “Regardless of where you live, accessible broadband is no longer a luxury, but rather a necessity for education, work and everyday business-to-business transactions. I am happy to be part of a government that prioritizes this reality and evens the playing field for many rural communities.”

Click here to see more...

Video: FBR Taxation Video

Before trade and tariffs dominated the conversation, taxation was one of the biggest issues on farmers’ minds last year. From the carbon tax to capital gains, OFA worked with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and provincial partners to push for fair, practical solutions. We saw progress on carbon tax relief and capital gains, and we continue to advocate for modernized farm tax programs at both the provincial and federal levels.

OFA works to represent the interests of Ontario farmers to all levels of government. Renew your Farm Business Registration (FBR) by March 1/26 and choose OFA so we can continue to support Ontario farmers and their businesses.