Marianne Dandurand
Compton—Stanstead, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“The mayor of Martinville, Michel‑Henri Goyette, was the one who reminded me that this issue goes beyond cellphone call quality. He also reminded me that we should not settle for mediocrity. That is why, as my colleague said, I have tackled this issue head-on. That is why I am bringing it before the House.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I rise today to present a petition signed by residents of the Eastern Townships, other parts of Quebec and even other parts of Canada regarding cellular connectivity in rural areas.”
“[ English ] Bill C‑268 proposes two practical measures. First, it would require a process to verify the accuracy of wireless coverage data. If we want to fix connectivity gaps, we need an accurate picture of where those gaps actually exist.”
“Members of Parliament from every region of the country and every party have described exactly the same reality: roads with no signal, underserved communities, and citizens who cannot rely on their phones when they need them. That is also my personal experience, as I just mentioned.”
“He gave the following example: No one would agree to buy a car that stops working as soon as they turn onto a certain road. In too many rural regions, people are paying full price for cell service that disappears once they reach a certain road or a certain village.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today after my colleagues, and after speaking last month in the House, to conclude debate at second reading on Bill C‑268 . I thank all my colleagues who spoke. I am pleased to see that this is not a partisan issue.”
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“(1830) [ Translation ] I urge all members to support Bill C‑268 at second reading and to refer it to committee for further consideration.”
“[ English ] Bill C‑268 proposes two practical measures. First, it would require a process to verify the accuracy of wireless coverage data. If we want to fix connectivity gaps, we need an accurate picture of where those gaps actually exist. Second, it would modernize Canada's spectrum policy framework, which has not been updated since 2007. Technology has changed immensely since then, and our policy framework must evolve as well. We do not agree on everything, but there is something we seem to agree on: Doing nothing is not an option. The bill would not be the finish line, but a starting point. The bill would get the ball rolling. It would create a better understanding of the problem, and ensure that rural connectivity is considered as a priority in future spectrum policy decisions.”
“The mayor of Martinville, Michel‑Henri Goyette, was the one who reminded me that this issue goes beyond cellphone call quality. He also reminded me that we should not settle for mediocrity. That is why, as my colleague said, I have tackled this issue head-on. That is why I am bringing it before the House. It is a matter of economic development, public safety and fairness for people in rural areas. The member for Egmont reminded us that poor connectivity limits access to telehealth, remote learning and new learning opportunities. The digital divide is becoming a social, economic and regional divide. We know where the dead zones are. Constituents know them; mayors know them; paramedics know them; firefighters know them. The problem is not whether they exist. It is having the tools needed to map these areas and guide future decisions.”
“He gave the following example: No one would agree to buy a car that stops working as soon as they turn onto a certain road. In too many rural regions, people are paying full price for cell service that disappears once they reach a certain road or a certain village. My colleagues from Drummond and Brome—Missisquoi demonstrated what this is like by holding up their phones and pretending to search for a signal. We all do that in the regions. We laughed about it because it is something that we do all the time. However, behind such anecdotes lie much more serious concerns. My colleagues talked about emergency services, first responders, accidents, serious health problems and women experiencing violence who cannot always rely on the network when they need it.”
“Members of Parliament from every region of the country and every party have described exactly the same reality: roads with no signal, underserved communities, and citizens who cannot rely on their phones when they need them. That is also my personal experience, as I just mentioned. I am one of those people who has to move closer to a window to get better reception. On the roads in my region, I know exactly where I have to tell the person on the other end of the line that the connection is going to drop and that I will have to call them back in a minute. Sometimes it is even worse: I have to call back in 10 minutes. As the member for Portage—Lisgar pointed out, people have come to accept a level of service that would be considered unacceptable in any other sector.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today after my colleagues, and after speaking last month in the House, to conclude debate at second reading on Bill C‑268 . I thank all my colleagues who spoke. I am pleased to see that this is not a partisan issue. I want to thank the members for Tobique—Mactaquac , Joliette—Manawan , Egmont , Portage—Lisgar , London—Fanshawe , Brome—Missisquoi , Drummond , Avalon , Riding Mountain and Elgin—St. Thomas—London South for supporting the bill. My colleague from Elgin—St. Thomas—London South was talking about people who live just outside urban centres and have no Internet connection. I live in a city with a population of nearly 200,000, and I do not get more than one bar of Internet signal inside my home.”
“[ English ] Reliable cellular service should not depend on a postal code. [ Translation ] Whether they live in a major city or a rural community, every Canadian should be able to count on reliable cellular service when they need it.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I rise today to present a petition signed by residents of the Eastern Townships, other parts of Quebec and even other parts of Canada regarding cellular connectivity in rural areas. The petitioners point out that, despite the efforts of municipalities, regional elected officials and many citizens, cellular service is still poor in many rural areas, including village centres. They emphasize that reliable cellular service is essential for public safety, agricultural activities, economic activity, and also for access to education, health care and essential communications. The petitioners are therefore calling on the Government of Canada to take measures to improve cellular coverage in rural areas and to bridge the digital divide that persists to this day.”
“Mr. Speaker, I really appreciated my colleague's speech, particularly her comments on how things went at committee. I think she gave a very good description of the situation. It is an urgent problem, one that we are taking seriously. Given the seriousness with which this matter must be addressed, what does she think is most important in the short term?”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Shefford for her work with people experiencing homelessness, female victims of violence, seniors and vulnerable individuals in the region where both of our ridings are located. I would like my colleague to explain which solutions for fighting coercive control are most effective in her riding, including community-led initiatives. What is working well in her riding?”
“Mr. Speaker, today is June 1, World Milk Day. It is an opportunity to recognize the work of dairy farmers who feed our families and sustain our regions. In the Eastern Townships and across Canada, the dairy industry is at the heart of the regional economy. Behind every glass of milk, there are families who work seven days a week, innovate and contribute to our food security. [ English ] Our dairy producers also play an important role in making sure that Canadians have access to a stable, high-quality local food supply. Today, I invite all of my colleagues to raise a glass of milk in recognition of the farmers, workers and families behind this important industry. [ Translation ] I want to say thank you to all those who contribute to this vital industry and wish them a happy World Milk Day.”
“Labour relations are changing, the economy is changing, and our legal framework must reflect today's realities while protecting workers' fundamental rights. Our goal is clear: to maintain a modern, credible, balanced labour relations system that lines up with Canada's economic realities, a system that truly protects workers, promotes free and fair bargaining, and enables Canada to remain strong, stable and competitive in an increasingly uncertain global environment.”
“It is about strengthening the overall framework that protects those rights in a lasting way. Ultimately, the best protection for workers is a growing, stable economy capable of creating opportunities. That is why our approach is not set in stone. It is pragmatic and evolves with the economy. That is also why we are committed to continuing the dialogue with workers, unions, employers, and all partners in the labour relations system. We believe that this ongoing commitment is not a sign of uncertainty, but a sign of responsibility. This is how we ensure that the framework remains relevant, fair and effective for years to come. Unions, employers, workers and indigenous partners have participated in the discussions. We are listening carefully to what they have to say.”
“It also means that both parties must have confidence in the system. Workers need to know that their rights are protected and respected, and employers need to know that there is a clear, fair and effective process for resolving disputes. Canadians need to be able to count on economic stability and the continuity of essential services. This balance is not always easy to achieve, but it is essential. We need to recognize that the labour market is changing. We are seeing new forms of work, changing supply chains and increased global competition for investment. In this context, jurisdictions that are able to maintain stable, modern and predictable labour relations will be better positioned to attract good jobs and sustainable investment. This is not about weakening workers' rights.”
“For many Canadians, labour relations are not an abstract concept; they directly affect paycheques, mortgage payments, the stability of small and medium-sized businesses and the ability to plan for the future. When negotiations go well, everyone wins. Workers, employers and communities benefit. However, when disputes drag on or turn unpredictable, the problems do not just stay at the negotiating table. They quickly spill over into supply chains, local economies and sectors that depend on reliability. That is why predictability is just as important as fairness in our labour relations system. Our goal must always be to create conditions that enable the parties to reach an agreement without unnecessary disruptions. That means strengthening tools for negotiation, mediation and early dispute resolution.”
“This is not an ideological issue; it is about responsibility. I think it is possible to be deeply supportive of workers and, at the same time, pragmatic about managing the country's economic interests. Canadian workers also understand the challenges facing our economy. They understand the importance of protecting jobs, investments and long-term economic stability. That is why the government is currently engaged in major consultations on the future of labour relations in Canada. The focus of these consultations includes how the collective bargaining process works, mediation mechanisms, certain time limits set out in the Canada Labour Code and the use of section 107. I also want to highlight an aspect too often overlooked in the debate: the daily reality of the workers and employers directly affected by labour disputes.”
“It simply means that the government also has a responsibility to consider the public interest, economic stability and the potential consequences for the workers themselves, because at the end of the day, when an economy slows down significantly, it is often workers who bear the brunt of the impact. That is the rationale behind section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. I want to be very clear. Its use must always remain exceptional. Our government believes that extraordinary interventions in a labour dispute should always be a last resort. (1840) Our priority remains the same: to enable the parties to reach a negotiated agreement. In some situations, however, the economic, social and logistical effects are too great to ignore. At such times, the government has to act carefully, in a balanced way, with deep respect for workers' rights.”
“In fact, 97% of disputes where the parties worked with the federal mediation and conciliation service were resolved this way, which shows that our system generally works well when the parties bargain in good faith and, above all, have access to the right support tools. However, we must also recognize another reality. Certain infrastructure and sectors now play a critical role in our country's economic stability. In a context where global supply chains are already under pressure, some labour disputes can have rapid and significant repercussions for millions of Canadians, businesses, exporters and the economy as a whole. Recognizing this reality in no way diminishes the importance of the right to strike.”
“This had been a key demand of the trade union movement for many years. This reform helps to establish a better balance in negotiations and to protect the integrity of the collective bargaining process, because, ultimately, the best agreements are those negotiated at the bargaining table. Our government truly believes in dialogue between the parties. Collective bargaining is not always a simple process. It can sometimes involve significant tensions, but it remains a mechanism for finding lasting, balanced solutions. That is why we have the federal mediation and conciliation service, which plays such an important role. Despite what the headlines may sometimes suggest, the vast majority of federally regulated labour disputes are resolved without a work stoppage.”
“I want to begin by thanking the member for Winnipeg Centre for introducing this bill. I also want to acknowledge her strong commitment to Canadian workers. The government shares the fundamental goal underlying this initiative, which is to strengthen a labour relations framework that respects workers, promotes collective bargaining and supports the country's economic stability. We firmly believe in the right to strike. This right is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, because it is an essential element of free, balanced and respectful labour relations. Workers must have real bargaining power, and our government has taken concrete measures to strengthen that right. One example is Bill C-58 , which prohibits the use of replacement workers in federally regulated sectors.”
“Madam Speaker, I would like to begin by pointing out that we are at a pivotal moment for the Canadian economy. All over the world, trade rules are changing very rapidly. Supply chains are much more fragile, and economic and geopolitical tensions are having serious consequences here at home for the workers, businesses and communities that depend on stable, well-paying jobs. In this context, the government's responsibility is very clear. We must protect Canadian workers while strengthening our country's economic resilience. The two go hand in hand. We cannot build a strong economy without respecting the workers who keep it running every day, and we cannot protect workers in the long term without an economy that can withstand shocks and remain competitive. It is with that in mind that I rise today to speak to Bill C-247 .”
“I would like to know what is included in the economic update and, more broadly, what the government intends to do to ensure that our residents have access to the news that matters most to them, in other words, the news that directly affects them.”
“Mr. Chair, I want to thank the minister for his answer and for his support on this matter. The base cabinets and kitchen cabinets issue is important to the Eastern Townships. I worked on that with my colleague from Brome—Missisquoi , who has also done outstanding work. His support was exceptional. I would like to ask the Minister of Finance to elaborate a little on the importance of local media and local radio. Those of us who live in the regions do not get their news from the major national media. The news that is personally relevant to us comes from very local media, a sector that we absolutely must support.”
“I have a few questions for my colleague, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue . First and foremost, I would like to highlight how involved Alain Ouzilleau, the CEO of Cabico, has been in my region when it comes to the challenges facing the kitchen cabinet sector. This is a sector that is currently under pressure due to international problems. Mr. Ouzilleau has been a leader, as have the people at North American Cabinets in Cookshire-Eaton and at Cuisine Idéale. Can the Minister of Finance tell us how we will support these businesses so that they can get through the difficult situation they are currently facing?”
“It extends employment insurance measures for seasonal workers, facilitates labour mobility, accelerates housing construction and supports port infrastructure, at the request of my colleagues from Nova Scotia, who have been very vocal on this issue. I mention Nova Scotia, but I would say this applies to the entire Atlantic region and will also have an impact on ports in the Gaspé Peninsula. In all of this, there are two opposing views. One view treats the economy as a mere accounting exercise, while the other recognizes that the economy is made up of people, families and communities. Our government has chosen the latter. We are cutting red tape, modernizing the government and investing where it really makes a difference in the lives of Canadians. (2145) I think it is time to move on to questions and answers.”
“Recently, the restaurant Les Mal-Aimés in Cookshire-Eaton, run by Yannick Côté and Daniel Charbonneau, got a green star in the 2026 Quebec Michelin Guide for its commitment to sustainability and buying local. Indeed, 60% of the products served at this restaurant come from their own farm, and the rest come directly from Quebec. This is a concrete business model that supports local businesses. It is not the only local restaurant to have earned a spot in the Quebec Michelin Guide. I also want to highlight the achievements of Le Hatley restaurant at Manoir Hovey and the Tap Room, both of which have been recognized in the Michelin Guide. It is a source of pride to see local businesses making their mark in a publication that is distributed worldwide. The economic update acknowledges the realities of Quebec and its regions.”
“I want to highlight the work of Julie Favreau, the executive director of Rues principales Coaticook, who won the personality of the year award from the Rues principales network for her meaningful commitment to local economic vitality. At the same event, a team made up of Éric Gauthier, from Sherbrooke Innovante, and Sébastien Croteau, known by the stage name “L'Inconnu dans le noir”, from Cookshire-Eaton, won the people's choice award for their project to illuminate the water reservoirs at Rock Forest, which makes Halloween and Christmas a bright time in my region. These are people walking the talk and bringing life to our communities. The economic update also highlights agricultural and agri-food processing, sectors that are particularly close to my heart. Our government also considers it very important to invest in agri-food processing.”
“I want to salute the young people behind some outstanding school projects: “Recipes from our home to yours!” from Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Cœur school in Weedon; “Little THANK YOUs” from Saint-Paul school in East Angus; and “Burn Bright!” from Louis-Saint-Laurent high school in East Angus, which won the regional co-op award. These young people are brimming with great ideas, and I wish them all the best should they decide to become entrepreneurs. The question is simple. Do we support this energy or do we hold them back? Our government's choice is clear. We will support young people because they are at the heart of our communities. The strength of our economy is also being built in our downtown cores and on our main streets, with our local businesses. It is built with people who are risk-takers and who are creative.”
“(2140) If a group of employees wants to take over a business, we will offer capital gains exemptions to the sellers to incentivize a sale. We will also support worker co-ops. My region is teeming with aspiring young entrepreneurs. I want to highlight some of the local businesses that distinguished themselves this year at the OSEntreprendre Estrie challenge: O'Bois Équipement Inc., Éloi Saint-Arnaud Paysagiste and Solutions Nexolink, which are from the Coaticook RCM, and Cidrerie Pomme Sauvage, from the Haut-Saint-François RCM. I also want to mention the Bec-O Lanctôt farm in Compton, which also won an achievement award. This proves that it is possible to build, to evolve and, most importantly, to stand the test of time in our region.”
“They are learning skills that will stand them in good stead all their lives, such as discipline, responsibility and teamwork. I should mention that I myself was a naval cadet in my teens, as a member of the 247 Les Timoniers De Valcourt and the 257 Le Montagnais de Chicoutimi. I know what a difference being part of this movement can make in a young person's life. This is annual review season, so I want to highlight the accomplishments of these young cadets and thank all of their leaders. I hope those participating in the summer camps will have a memorable experience. These young people are our future workforce, and to be frank, if they do not get support, we cannot build a solid economic future. That is why we are also supporting young entrepreneurs and business succession, particularly the employee ownership trust model.”
“On this side of the House, we support our constituents. The spring economic update also invests in training the next generation of workers. Through a program known as team Canada strong, we will train 80,000 to 100,000 workers in skilled trades that are in real demand, and we will provide increased support for apprentices. This also includes the cadet program. Today, I am thinking of the young people in my region who are part of certain cadet corps, such as the 670 Haut-St-François cadet squadron, the 2449 Rock Forest-St-Élie-Deauville cadet corps, the 2852 Coaticook cadet corps and the Bishop's College School No. 2 Cadet Corps, which is the oldest continually active cadet corps in Canada. These young people are the leaders of tomorrow.”
“We are going to help 22 million Canadians with a tax cut that will reach the entire middle class. We are also introducing a new Canada groceries and essentials benefit. This direct support to families will be sent out four times a year starting in early June. We are eliminating the GST on certain eligible new homes, which will save first-time homebuyers up to $50,000. We are also extending the grace period for paying back the home buyers' plan, or HBP, from two years to five years to support homebuyers. Another step that we are taking to support families is to temporarily suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel in order to provide immediate relief during a time of soaring gas prices. The choice is clear: Either we support people, or we let them deal with the cost of living on their own.”
“It is an update that helps families cope with the cost of living. It invests in workers, in the regions and in infrastructure. It does so without compromising responsible management of public finances. We just spent two weeks in our ridings. People there spoke to us about their reality and the problems they face in terms of the cost of housing, the price of groceries and the price of gas. We also heard a lot of talk in our regions about the labour shortage affecting businesses and slowing growth. This tells us we have political choices to make. Some people suggest reducing the role of the government at the very time that families are asking for help and need support. We are doing the opposite. We are listening to families and offering them tangible measures.”
“Mr. Chair, I am speaking today on the subject of the spring economic update. We are living through a period of major economic and geopolitical upheaval. The global context is becoming more challenging, supply chains are fragile, protectionism is on the rise and trade tensions are having a direct impact on our workers, our businesses and our regions. In this context, there are two ways to respond. There are those who downplay the transformation that is taking place, and there are those who choose to take action. Our government is choosing to take action. We have a clear responsibility to build a stronger, more self-reliant and more resilient economy while also protecting Canadians with concrete, immediate measures to help them cope with the rising cost of living today. This is exactly what is in the spring economic update.”
“Mr. Speaker, I find this very interesting. My colleague is a Conservative MP from an urban area. I would like to hear her views on the impact of potentially repealing the clean fuel regulations, which have generated significant revenue for farmers, including those on the Prairies, particularly canola growers. This involves processing that happens in Canada. Why would we want to take this revenue away from our farmers?”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague from Kings—Hants discussing agriculture and how much it matters to him. Of course, I share his concerns. He spent much of his speech talking about the clean fuel regulations. Can he explain what that consists of and how farmers in both of our regions will be able to take advantage of the benefits of this regulation?”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to pick up on a question asked by my colleague across the aisle regarding relations with the United States. I would like my colleague to talk about what our country can do to set a good example in terms of health care systems. What kind of example can we set for the United States?”
“Mr. Speaker, it is true that there is spectrum that is not being used. The problem is that companies are honouring the agreements they have signed with the government. The way the contracts were drawn up requires, for example, connecting 50% of the population across a very large area within a relatively short period of time. As a result, there are places that are not connected. I would say that the agreements that were signed have, for the most part, been honoured. Clearly, that is not where the solution lies. The aim is to ensure that future contracts take into account the reality that connection is much more unreliable in rural areas than it is in urban centres.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have been working with my colleague, who is chair of the rural caucus. He is a member who is really engaged on this issue. We have been talking a lot about it, and not only talking but taking action as well. We met with Bell and Rogers to talk about how they are helping with this, what their challenges are and where they want to go with it. I thank the member for his involvement and commitment on this important issue. Yes, the bill would help in Avalon. We would have a better map of the situation, and then we could then address the situation by prioritizing rural places that are a bit outside the scope, so the people in the member's riding can be connected.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague and I have had conversations about this. The people of Saint-Nicolas live in an urban area. They certainly do not live in a rural area, yet they have cell service issues. The bill aims to map out this situation. We will see that there is clearly an issue in this area. Then, we will be able to roll out services where there are none right now, mainly in remote and isolated areas, but also in regions like his, in urban centres. I live in Rock Forest and face the same challenge as the people of Saint-Nicolas. I hope the bill will help resolve the situation, even in urban areas.”
“I am also very pleased that Senator Aucoin has agreed to take the matter to the Senate after the bill is studied in the House. I am asking for this bill to be studied in committee, for a more connected, safer, fairer and stronger Canada.”
“We therefore need to recalibrate, and now is the time to do so, as new technologies, such as low-orbit satellites, are being deployed. While satellites are going to be launched in the relatively near future to connect people to cellular networks, this service must prioritize the regions over urban centres, because it is in the regions where connectivity is still lacking. In short, the bill aims to improve measurement, planning and investment. In conclusion, I am very pleased to see that this bill transcends party lines. Many of my Liberal colleagues have supported it. Some Conservative and NDP colleagues have also supported it. Our colleague from the Green Party supported the bill too. As this shows, the bill crosses party lines.”
“I think that the timing is perfect. We may be a bit behind, but the timing could not be better for a bill like this. First, we have made many investments in fibre optic Internet connectivity, which makes the construction of new infrastructure more profitable. Having fibre optics allows for cellular towers. Major investments have been made. Spectrum auctions are also coming up. With the new spectrum auctions approaching, it is important to adjust the auction parameters to ensure that, in the rollout for telecommunications companies, there is not a requirement that 50% of the population in a large region be connected within five years, for example. What that means in a rural area is that only the largest population centre will be connected, leaving a vast expanse of land without any connectivity.”
“When we have a better idea of where the issues are coming from, we can start to address them. The second part of the bill is about modernizing the spectrum framework. The spectrum framework is the mechanism by which frequencies used for cellular connectivity are distributed. That framework has not been updated since 2007. When it was last updated, it was assumed that market forces would end up connecting the entire Canadian population. Needless to say, that did not happen. Almost 20 years later, we recognize that connecting remote regions is not profitable. There is no incentive for telecommunications companies to connect remote regions. The change we want to make to the spectrum policy is stated in the bill's preamble. It is about making sure that cellular connectivity takes into account the realities of remote regions.”
“First, we need a better understanding of the situation on the ground, as we can only improve what we can measure. As I said earlier, according to the CRTC, 97% of the Canadian population has access to a mobile network. This data comes from telecommunications companies, but I am not convinced that these companies and I share the same understanding of what constitutes access to a mobile network. One bar might constitute a connection for them, but it does not allow someone to make a call, it does not keep a call going and it does not allow for a good-quality conversation. For me, that does not constitute a connection. (1745) The bill's first requirement is to map out the situation with much clearer parameters. It is about choosing a series of parameters that will allow for better measurements and for an independent review of the data.”
“I am talking here about basic farm monitoring, but we are moving towards precision farming, which will save farmers a lot of money on input costs when they are able to fully utilize these tools. However, for that to happen, farmers need to have access to high quality cell service. Whether we are talking about farmers, forestry companies, transportation companies or SMEs, our economy depends on our ability to communicate and to communicate effectively. This is the kind of challenge we face in my riding, so it is absolutely essential that we sort this out. As I said, it is also a question of fairness: No matter where someone lives in Canada, they should have access to the same cellular service. It is 2026. The solutions proposed by the bill follow two main lines of action.”
“These vehicles sometimes do not have access to a cellular network. Truckers cannot maintain contact with their dispatcher or business. Situations like that are very inconvenient for businesses. This does not just happen in rural and remote areas. It also happens on highways. This is the sort of problem encountered by people who transport goods across Canada and to the United States. This week, I was also talking with the president of UPA Estrie, Michel Brien, who owns a dairy farm. He was telling me that everything on his farm is now connected to his cell phone. He can activate his milking machines and monitor his cameras, but that all really depends on a cellular connection that is not always reliable. There are some really worthwhile technologies available to farmers.”
“Gagnon also pointed out a fairly troubling fact: electronic monitoring devices do not work where there is no cellular network or Internet access. Imagine the danger posed by an abuser whose electronic monitoring device does not work and which therefore leaves their victim unprotected. This is where really terrible situations can happen, and this is the kind of situation that needs to be resolved. That needs to be looked at, and that is what Bill C‑268 is about. I have another example. I talk a lot about safety, and that is something that is very important to think about. However, there is also a lot of talk about economic development. Take, for example, the transportation industry, where vehicles experience problems when travelling on secondary roads, numbered roads and even highways.”
“Rural areas have managed relatively well so far, but it is important to remember that, in the regions, people are entitled to cell service that is just as good as what is available in the cities. Someone from my riding came to Ottawa very recently. It was Andrée Gagnon from Maison Séjour, which welcomes women who are victims of domestic violence. Ms. Gagnon indicated that, on certain occasions, there are women who try to get to the shelter to escape a critical situation at home but who do not have access to cell phones. As a result, they are stuck in a home where they are victims of violence. They cannot leave their home because they cannot call for help, because there is a lack of cellular connectivity. Ms.”
“(1740) Some stories are pretty terrifying. Sometimes, especially when first responders are attending incidents in more remote areas, like at the end of a dirt road, it can take several minutes to connect to a cellular network to make a call and then return to the scene. We need to put ourselves in the shoes of these firefighters if they need to reach other services, such as SOPFEU or, in the case of my riding, which is very close to the border, with American services that come to support Canadian services. This means they often have to leave the scene of the fire or emergency to go a short distance away and then come back. These situations could lead to disasters.”