Ontario Expanding Broadband Access in Rural Communities

Aug 18, 2023

The governments of Canada and Ontario, in partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc., have completed construction on a significant broadband infrastructure project. More than 630 families, farms and businesses in Dufferin County will have access to fast, reliable high-speed internet service.

“Our government is delivering on its commitment to provide access to high-speed internet throughout rural Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Projects like this in Dufferin County that connect more communities to high-speed internet are crucial to building a stronger Ontario. We’re helping rural residents stay in touch with loved ones, enabling them to access supports they need while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

Both levels of government have each committed more than $538,000 to the project, to provide the communities of Laurel, Salem and Camilla with access to high-speed internet.

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Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.