Issue

The escalating divide between rural/remote communities and urban centres around broadband services potentially limits economic opportunities in all regions of Canada.

Background

In 2019 the federal government established a strategy for connecting 98 per cent of Canada to high-speed internet by 2026 with universal access for 2030.

A March 2023 report from federal Auditor General Karen Hogan indicated the strategy has not delivered equal access to both high-speed internet and mobile cellular services for rural/remote communities and First Nations reserves.

Recommendations

That the Government of Canada:

1. Continue with high-speed internet infrastructure investments across rural/remote areas and First Nations;
2. To build an inclusive economy for all Canadians, ensure all financial resources allocated to increasing high-speed internet capacity are urgently distributed for addressing the digital divide;
3. To evaluate the effectiveness of government high-speed internet policy in delivering connectivity, particularly in rural and indigenous areas, there should be an evaluation of connectivity coverage, quality and adoption; and
4. Commit to businesses and citizens in rural and remote areas that necessary infrastructure to allow them access to competitive high-speed internet speeds will be constructed if not by private industry, then by the federal government utilizing the Universal Broadband Fund.

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