MP Eric Melillio/CKDR Files
Eric Melillo is pressing the government on promised internet upgrades for Northwestern Ontario communities.
In 2017, the government announced 4 million dollars in funding and a partnership with Bell to upgrade internet in several communities, including in Madsen and Shoal Lake 39 First Nation.
“These communities are still waiting for improved service,” Kenora MP Melillo noted in Question Period last week. “If it was not to deliver high-speed internet as promised, where was this funding actually spent?”
Melillo calls it a pattern, the government promising bold investments in Northwestern Ontario, with little progress to show for it.
The MP has submitted an Order Paper Question, saying he will continue to standup for the north to find out if any work has been done and when these projects will be completed.
Order Paper Questions allow Members of Parliament to seek detailed information from the government, with the government required to respond within 45 days.
The full text of the question is: “With regard to the $4.03 Million in funding announced in by the government 2017 to bring high-speed Internet upgrades to Madsen, Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent First Nation, Stratton, Minahico, the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, and the Anishinaabeg of Naongashiing: (a) what is the current status of each of these upgrade projects, including what specific work has been completed on each project; and (b) what is projected completion date of each project?”
