Ottawa, May 4, 2026 – Municipal elected officials, representatives from the economic and community sectors, and parliamentarians gathered today in Ottawa to highlight the challenges related to cellular connectivity in rural regions, on the occasion of the second reading of Bill C-268, An Act respecting the Spectrum Policy Framework for Canada, in the House of Commons.
While many communities still lack reliable cellular service, including along major roadways, the discussions shed light on the concrete impacts of these gaps on public safety and economic development.
Supported by growing consensus across the country, Bill C-268, introduced by Compton–Stanstead MP Marianne Dandurand, proposes measures to improve the situation, including:
- ensuring better quality and independent validation of cellular coverage data;
- more clearly integrating the realities of rural regions into spectrum-policy decisions.
MP Dandurand emphasized that the issue goes beyond political divides. “Access to cellular networks is a matter of public safety, economic development, and fairness between regions,” said Dandurand, who also chairs the Liberal Rural Caucus.
Senator Réjean Aucoin committed to sponsoring the bill in the Senate once it is adopted by the House of Commons.
Michel-Henri Goyette, Mayor of Martinville and initiator of an ongoing petition on the House of Commons website, spoke about the reality faced by municipalities like his. “If we had cellular connectivity, we could communicate with the outside world even during a power outage or an Internet service disruption. We are very grateful to Ms. Dandurand for taking on this issue. Her bill is a step in the right direction,” said Mayor Goyette.
From the business community, Dominic Arsenault, representative of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers and owner of IGA Coaticook, highlighted the concrete impacts on businesses in rural areas: “In 2026, it’s simply unacceptable that some regions still don’t have reliable cell service. Businesses need dependable connectivity to run their operations, reach customers, and stay competitive. It’s time for real action”.
As the bill continues its parliamentary process, today’s discussions reflect a clear willingness to move this issue forward.
“I invite all relevant partners to continue working together to meaningfully improve connectivity in rural regions,” concluded MP Dandurand.
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