Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
Thank you to everyone for this great discussion so far. I think it's been very helpful for our committee as we undertake this important study.
One thing that was mentioned during the course of the meeting was Internet connectivity. Of course, a recent Auditor General report that came out highlighted that the government is currently off pace to meet its 2030 goal of bringing affordable and high-quality, high-speed Internet to all Canadians. As of 2021, about 43% of first nation communities across Canada have access to affordable high-speed Internet, and that number is only 33% in Ontario.
I represent northwestern Ontario. My riding spans from the Minnesota border to Hudson Bay. In the 42 first nations in the municipalities that I represent, we know those Internet challenges far too well.
To the representatives for Connected North, I'd like to ask if you can help contextualize that issue for us. The lack of Internet, obviously, is something that would greatly impact you and your ability to carry out your role.
I'm wondering if you can help illustrate how big a challenge that is and how important it is that the government take steps to bring high-speed Internet to every community as quickly as possible.