PCWorld.com – Broadband Becomes a Campaign Issue or Telecommuting, Kyoto, and Global Warming

As those of you in Canada know we are in the final days of a federal election. The “major” parties, that is the Liberals, Conservatives, and NPD, have been focusing on healthcare, taxes, and other standard campaign issues. The Greens, not considered a “major” party although they are running candidates in all 308 federal ridings, have been trying to get their message out and doing so quite effectively I think. Of late I have been reflecting on some other issues that I think are important to the long-term health of the country. This is not to say that healthcare, taxes, and Canada's place in the world aren't important, they are, very much so, but here is some more food for thought.

I think not enough attention is being paid to telework as one way Canada can help meet it's Kyoto requirements and a way to spur innovation and technology development here as well. Dana Dolan of the Telework Times has talked about this issue somewhat before. This is an issue that is definitely up the Greens alley and I'm sure that they would support it. I would be interested if they could comment on it here.

In my mind the federal and provincial governments need to do two things to achieve this goal.

First they need to make expanding broadband Internet access to as many Canadians as possible a priority. With microwave, Internet via power lines, and other emerging technologies this is not a pipe dream. Brian Tobin, the former Industry Minister, made this a priority, but I think in the transition of Ministers and Paul Martin becoming PM, it's dropped off the radar. Broadband access would enable Canadians to take advantage of the tremendous wealth of information online and give them the opportunity to reach the world faster and easier. Imagine children and adults alike being able to participate in online classes, from home or their local school or library. Imagine a small craftsperson able to promote and sell their wares online. Broadband access makes this easier. It is an important facet in the new “knowledge economy” that is becoming more important to Canada's economy overall. It also is a key requirement for my next point.

Second the government (federal, provincial, or both) need to offer tax credits to companies who put into place real, meaningful, and effective telework programs. Then also give a tax credit to telecommuters to subsidize high-speed Internet access and other telework necessities. The dual tax credits are important to ensure that not only companies can benefit and see immediate savings, but individuals as well. The benefits, I think, could even be seen very quickly even within a year if implemented quickly.

Encouraging telecommuting will achieve several things. First it will surely get more cars off the road. This, of course, lessens pollution and traffic on the roads and highways. Second there is the spin off of innovation and technology growth with having more people online and needs all sorts of software and support services. Finally it might improve our health and our communities. Imagine more people able to exercise during the day, people walking around their neighborhood, participating in evening activities. People who aren't stressed out from an hour-long commute home again.

This issue/topic hasn't come up in any substantive way that I've seen in this election campaign, but it is certainly one that pro-business people can get behind. Telcos will certainly make money on the broadband connections in the long-term. Business definitely can save money on office space and even health insurance costs with a real telecommuting workforce. Of course, Greens should be in favour of policies that push more sustainable ways of working. The time has come for Canada to step forward and make this investment in our collective futures. Telecommuting isn't going to solve all of the problems of pollution and Kyoto targets, but it is certainly a start.

Any comments on this issue are welcome.

PCWorld.com – Broadband Becomes a Campaign Issue: “WASHINGTON — Presidential candidates are touting widespread broadband as a boost for employment and rural education, but a close look at financial interests suggests tech policy may also be a campaign paycheck.”