By Denis Carmel
OTTAWA – On April 30th, the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology met to examine the Canadian response to the Covid-19 pandemic and while most questions related to the production of protective gear and testing equipment, along with disinfecting liquids in Canada, connectivity was touched upon, too.
Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry told the committee Thursday that the government would soon release new timelines for the High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy, launched in June 2019.
Answering a question from Bloc Québécois communications critic, Martin Champoux, the minister said his colleague Maryam Monsef, the minister responsible for Rural Economic Development would soon make an announcement regarding more specific objectives of the strategy.
Recognizing that the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for rural and remote communities to be integrated in the Canadian mainstream and have access to reliable, affordable broadband, as many had to work from home and had to spend large amounts to meet their connectivity needs.
“The strategy aims to deliver 50/10 connectivity to 90% of Canadians by 2021, 95% of Canadians by 2026, and the hardest-to-reach Canadians by 2030. Canadians will also have enhanced mobile connectivity on highways and major roads,” the government’s document reads.
Minister Bains’ office did not elaborate on specific dates for the announcement he mentioned.
