TECHNATION applauds Government of Ontario decision to include IT and IT infrastructure as an essential service; and recommend other provinces follow-suit

OTTAWA, ON (March 24, 2020) – In an effort to stimulate physical distancing and self-isolation measures, the Government of Ontario yesterday ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses in response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

TECHNATION strongly believes that IT and IT infrastructure serve a critical role across Ontario, and around the world. As providers of IT and IT infrastructure supporting health care efforts, first responders, medical researchers and the vast population in self-isolation, our members strongly recommended to our governments that IT be considered an essential service. Businesses and government rely on video–conferencing and remote connectivity to facilitate their work and to ensure the continued employment of staff. In addition, families are depending on online services to teach their children and to communicate with loved ones, including at risk seniors in isolation.

As such, TECHNATION supports the Government’s choice to include in its list of essential services, the following:

Telecommunications and IT Infrastructure/Service Providers

Businesses engaged in providing or supporting Information Technology (IT) including online services, software products and related services, as well as the technical facilities such as data centres and other network facilities necessary for their operation and delivery;

Businesses providing telecommunications services (phone, internet, radio, cell phones etc) as well as support facilities such as call centres necessary for their operation and delivery.

By including telecommunications and IT infrastructure/service providers in this list of essential workplaces, the Government of Ontario has demonstrated its commitment to bold steps to fight the COVID-19 crisis in conjunction with the private sector.

TECHNATION implores all other governments across Canada to follow the lead of the province of Ontario in recognizing the invaluable role telecommunications and IT infrastructure/service providers play in the fight against COVID-19.

Quotes

“On behalf of our members – Canada’s technology leaders and innovators – I thank the Government of Ontario for its leadership. By including telecommunications and IT infrastructure and service providers in its list of essential services, the Government has demonstrated a clear understanding of the role of technology to fight COVID-19 and enable greater self-isolation. We stand ready to work with government and all sectors to combat the global health crisis and build the digital economy into the future.” Angela Mondou, President and CEO, TECHNATION.

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ABOUT TECHNATION

TECHNATION: Uniting technology, government and community for Canada’s Future. As a national industry association, TECHNATION is the industry-government nexus for technology prosperity in Canada. We unite Canada’s technology sector, governments and communities to enable technology prosperity from coast to coast to coast. We promote growth by connecting Canadian scale-ups with global tech leaders; engaging the global supply chain; filling the technology talent pipeline; and providing advocacy, professional development and networking opportunities across industry and government. We develop solutions to achieve both the national and global goals that Canada’s $184 Billion technology industry shares with governments of all levels. Technology prosperity that benefits everyone relies on a strong partnership between the private and public sectors.  TECHNATION was formerly called the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC)

As a prominent advocate for the expansion of Canada’s innovation capacity, TECHNATION encourages technology adoption to capitalize on productivity and performance opportunities across all sectors. A member-driven not-for-profit, TECHNATION has served as the authoritative national voice of the $170 billion ICT industry for over 60 years. More than 36,000 Canadian ICT firms create and supply goods and services that contribute to a more productive, competitive, and innovative society. The ICT sector generates over one million jobs directly and indirectly and invests $4.9 billion annually in R&D, more than any other private sector performer.

To arrange an interview, please contact:

Nevin French

cell: 613-240-7378 or nfrench@technationcanada.ca

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