The present study benefited from the time and expertise of well-informed, hardworking and dedicated individuals. The Committee and its study into providing broadband Internet services to rural and remote communities are indebted to their contributions.

Broadband Internet is an indispensable service in Canada. Adequate Internet services are of paramount importance to the economic and social welfare of all communities. However, some communities, especially in rural and remote areas, still struggle to access these services. As a result, the Government of Canada contributed $500 million over 5 years to expand broadband Internet services in those areas. Although much remains to be done, this initiative is essential for Canada to be a leader on this front.

A parliamentary study is a living endeavour: it adapts and evolves on the basis of the testimonies heard. It became quickly obvious to the Committee that the focus of this study had to be narrowed to an investigation of last-mile access. For example, the original motion included defining what constitutes high speed Internet. However, a few months later, before the Committee initiated its study, the CRTC established high speed targets for Internet services. Between November 2017 and February 2018, our Committee heard from 16 witnesses and collected over 25 submissions. Multiple service providers contributed to the study, from small regional providers to Canada’s largest telecom companies. We heard not only from business representatives, but also from individual experts and on-the-ground rural service providers.

The Committee is honoured to submit a report with concrete recommendations to the Government of Canada to increase and improve access to broadband Internet, and do so in a manner that is not only affordable to consumers, but profitable to providers.

Dan Ruimy, M.P. Chair