Members of the Quinte West, Belleville and Prince Edward County chambers of commerce got an update Thursday, from Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith, on the provincial budget.
During an online address to local business owners, Smith touted significant investments announced two weeks ago in economic recovery, health care, tourism and increasing access to broadband access.
When asked if the $2.8 billion investment will be enough to finally improve access, Smith says once the work is completed, it will make a big difference.
“No matter what kind of ridge you live under, or valley that you’re in, there will be a whole number of different types of infrastructure that will be used here and types of service providers that will be used as well.”
Along with improving internet access for existing residents and businesses, Smith says those broadband improvements are necessary due to the amount of new residents coming to live and work in the area.
Smith also took questions about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, current stay-at-home restrictions and when employers could expect their workers to get vaccinated.
He says plans to vaccinate workers are in place, as is the rollout infrastructure , but the lack of vaccine supply is slowing things down.
“When the supply starts to flow, we’ll be able to get those teachers, grocery store folks who have been working so hard over the last 13 months and those in manufacturing, but it really does come down to supply. The system is there, the bones are there and the people are there and ready to go. They could get thousands through there (Loyalist Vaccination Clinic) if they had the supplies.”
Smith added that another big change made to the rollout was to include restaurant workers, grocery store staff and others, in phase two of the program.
Employers are being encouraged to visit the province’s COVID-19 support website for more information on what help is available to them during the pandemic.
The full presentation is expected to be added to the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce YouTube page by the end of the week.
