New money for rural broadband will help farmers, says Lawrence MacAulay

Federal Agriculture Minister and Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay, says the federal budget will help the middle class, put more money in the pockets of Islanders and help farmers.

He saidreversing the eligibility for Old Age Security to 65 from 67 will have an impact, as will the increase in the guaranteed income supplement. Travelling around P.E.I., he said he sees many people who need the extra financial help.

As for his agriculture portfolio, he saidthere will be $70 million added to some agricultural programs and $500 million over five years for broadband internet in rural areas.

"Not being connected is an awful negative factor to any industry and of course with the agricultural sector, as you know, driving through Prince Edward Island you will go down into a hollow andbing you lose the person you are talkingwith," said MacAulay.

"Believe it or not, there are contracts lost because of these things happening."

MacAulaysaidhe has been pushing for a better service and the money allocated is a step in the right direction.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | 5 things in the federal budget Islanders should care about
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | $500M promised for broadband in rural areas, Federal Agriculture Minister says