New ACOA Minister speaks about opportunities

"In 2014 there was only 78 percent of the country connected and we are now at 93.5 percent,” says Minister Hutchings. “By 2026, 98 percent of Canadians will be connected.”

With over 30 years in business, Long Range Mountains MP Gudie Hutchings understands the importance of a strong internet connection. The Federal Rural Economic Development Minister was also recently appointed as the Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Hutchings says one of the biggest challenges across the country is connectivity and we are getting there. “In 2014 there was only 78 percent of the country connected and we are now at 93.5 percent,” she says. “By 2026, 98 percent of Canadians will be connected.”

The Minister says global warming is real and we need a greener economy. “Look what we went through in Port aux Basques and area last year with Hurricane Fiona, look what our friends in Nova Scotia are going through, look at what's going on in B.C. with wildfires no one has ever seen, look at the temperature change in oceans and rivers,” she says. “We know climate change is real so how do we address all that moving forward?” As far as what the future looks like, Minister Hutchings says it is very bright. “Atlantic Canada and Newfoundland Labrador has a bright future when we look at where the critical minerals are coming from to build batteries, and when we look at the potential for wind hydrogen, Atlantic Canada can be world leaders,” she says. “When we look at the growth potential in tourism, recent articles are saying places in Europe are just too hot and people are looking for places to explore, Atlantic Canada is the first place they meet when they cross the ocean.” The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency was established during the eighties.