Thank you, Madam Chair.
I want to thank Minister Bains for joining us today.
First, I want to introduce my colleague Mario Simard, our new innovation and science critic. Mr. Bains, you may know that I'm the new Bloc Québécois industry critic. Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay, our international trade critic, and Martin Champoux, our communications critic, are also with us. Mr. Champoux will round out my first remarks.
First, I want to talk about land use and the essential matter of access to the cellular network and the Internet. During the current crisis, many workers are teleworking, especially teachers and parents, who must continue their children's education at home. In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, some families need three Internet connections, if we count their cellular connection and their basic network. They need a landline and a cell phone. This situation results in significant additional costs. During this crisis, data limits are being exceeded, the network is becoming significantly overloaded and costs are exploding.
Minister Bains, as part of your mandate, you must ensure that Canadians have both affordable and high-quality Internet, mobile and media access. In this situation, can you commit to carrying out this task?
Do you find it normal that a member from a region such as my area must purchase a satellite phone to keep in touch with people throughout their constituency?