Dear Mayor Higgins

Randy Hillier | May 19, 2021

I have received your request for my support of the release of funds for the EORN Gig project

As you note, there have been significant commitments to advancing the expansion of broadband and cellular services from both senior levels of government.

Forcing people into isolation and requiring them to work or educate from home has only exacerbated the deficiencies in our rural broadband services.  Many other government and consumer services were pushed online, making broadband service essential. We cannot make a service essential while also leaving it inaccessible for so many.

Many of the public services people rely on have been forced online by the government measures in response to COVID. While decrying the slow release of funding for these essential services, you failed to acknowledge that you supported the very policies that have amplified the need for broadband for our constituents. Like many others in government, you supported decisions without considering the consequences and ramifications it would have on the larger population and the economy.

You have supported isolating people with mental health struggles, destroying people’s livelihoods, cancelling necessary medical procedures and diagnoses, and confining victims in a home with their abusers to prevent the spread of an illness that has >98% survival rate. You gave no consideration to the irreparable harm done to those who were otherwise healthy, which all statistics tell us is the vast majority of the population.

I will bring your concerns to the Minister and advocate for the release of the promised funding, with the knowledge that this need has only been aggravated by unnecessarily harmful measures you have endorsed and continue to support. Sincerely,

Randy Hillier