Making services more accessible

February 26, 2014 · 0 Comments

Dear editor:

The Ontario Liberal government is committed to helping people in rural communities by making it easier for them to access government services, like providing them with the option to go online.

In Ontario today, families are busier than ever. With so many important priorities, people often don’t have time to wait in line to apply for a driver’s license or birth certificate.

We have always understood the importance of investing in broadband infrastructure. We need to ensure that rural residents have access to high-speed, high-quality internet connections.

That’s why, since 2007, our government has invested nearly $120 million in rural broadband infrastructure. This means that ninety-five percent of residents in eastern Ontario, more than half-a-million residents and businesses in southern Ontario and twenty-six First Nations communities in northern Ontario have access to high-speed broadband service.

High-speed broadband is the foundation of a competitive, modern economy. Previously, if you wanted to start a business or access government services online you needed to be in a large city. Now, there are start-up companies emerging in all corners of the province and Ontarians can access a range of services online, no matter where they live.

ServiceOntario is a leader in the delivery of modern government services. We want to make Ontarians in rural communities familiar and comfortable with all the services available online at ServiceOntario.ca, like renewing your driver’s licence, updating your address and registering for a marriage certificate. In total, there are more than 40 services offered online at ServiceOntario.ca

We understand that people want government to fit into their everyday lives – not the other way around.

We will continue working to ensure government services are easily accessible for all as part of our plan to invest in people, invest in infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.

John Milloy

Minister of Government Services

and

Jeff Leal,

Minister of Rural Affairs