The bill introduced by Compton–Stanstead MP Marianne Dandurand to improve cellular connectivity in rural areas reached another milestone today in the House of Commons, as the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (INDU) began its study of Bill C-268.
During the committee’s first meeting on the bill, MP Dandurand spoke not only about the importance of improving the accuracy of cellular coverage data across the country, but also of the need to give special attention to improving connectivity in rural areas and along numbered highways.
“Access to cellular networks is a matter of public safety, economic development, and fairness between regions. Today, we brought this reality directly before parliamentarians to advance concrete solutions. This bill is an important step toward better documenting gaps in cellular coverage and supporting a more equitable deployment of connectivity across the country,” said Ms. Dandurand, who also serves as Chair of the Rural Caucus.
“For municipalities like Martinville, a village community of nearly 500 people without cellular coverage, just 20 minutes from a major centre, this is a public safety issue. The reality is that in a dead zone, a person may be unable to reach 911 or emergency services. That is simply unacceptable in 2026!” said Mayor Goyette.
“Especially since the landlines we used to rely on no longer even exist. In the event of an Internet or power outage, we have to get into a vehicle and drive around looking for a signal just to communicate with the outside world. These are costs and constraints that have no place in our daily lives anymore. I am very pleased that, finally, someone at the federal level is taking up this cause and moving this issue forward,” added Mayor Goyette.
It is worth noting that, on March 16, Mayor Goyette filed a petition, sponsored by MP Dandurand, calling on the federal government to take concrete measures to improve cellular coverage in his community.
Beyond public safety, MP Dandurand also emphasized that improving cellular coverage is a key driver of the attractiveness and vitality of rural communities.
“Today, connectivity is essential to attracting new residents, enabling remote work, maintaining local services and making our communities attractive to young families and businesses. The reality is that the lack of connectivity is holding back the development of our regions!”
The INDU Committee will continue its study of Bill C-268 in the coming weeks. Once its study is complete, the committee may report the bill back to the House of Commons, with or without amendments, allowing it to proceed to third reading.
If passed by the House of Commons, the bill will proceed to the Senate, where it already has the support of Senator Aucoin, a long-standing advocate for improved connectivity across the country, who has agreed to sponsor the bill.
