There wasn’t lots in the federal budget for telecommunications – which is not necessarily a bad thing. Most of us prefer a hands-off approach.
I noticed that no one in Ottawa has yet picked up on my suggestion for a refundable tax credit tied to driving increased broadband subscriptions among lower income earners. I tend to think that this is the best approach for governments that want to stimulate broadband use and availability.
I did note one item in the budget speech. The government plans to put $21M into establishing global research chairs, one of which is in Information and Communications Technologies.
This funding will allow each Chair to assemble outstanding research teams and undertake cutting-edge research in areas of strategic importance to Canada.
If there is an election coming in the next year, when will telecommunications and technology become a more prominent issue?