Rural communities have their own distinct characteristics, and each of Quebec's regions is unique. The investments that regions need are different, so policy decisions need to reflect those realities. However, investments in regional infrastructure and services are still inadequate. It is apparently harder to convince governments to make investments in sparsely populated regions.
Conversely, those investments can have a larger impact in regions than elsewhere. Targeted investments, such as in high-speed Internet, have a huge impact on our regions and their appeal. In many cases, targeted and bold government investments make all the difference in a community's strength and survival.
Every year, the FQM redoubles its efforts to make governments at all levels understand the importance of infrastructure investments, whether in transportation, municipal systems or basic services region-wide, to ensure residents have access to adequate services.
The first iteration of the gas tax fund is a good example. The funding made it possible for municipalities to invest on a large scale in municipal buildings, fire stations and garages. Despite the FQM's repeated efforts, getting across to authorities—in this case, the federal government—the importance of investing in essential community buildings and public services is an ongoing challenge.
I want to bring up the Internet again. For the first time, on March 22, Quebec's premier and Canada's Prime Minister announced a massive investment and support to connect all Quebeckers to high-speed Internet, under Canada-Quebec operation high speed. The FQM applauds both levels of government for their bold action and commitment on this initiative, but it must be noted that this is the result of years and years of hard work by multiple stakeholders, and the FQM was among those leading the charge. By that, I mean writing open letters, and reaching out to members of Parliament and ministers in order to finally arrive at a real plan and commitments in support of 100% connectivity. It's important to recognize, not only this terrific news, but also the long road it took to get here. As the previous witness mentioned, high-speed Internet makes telework and distance learning possible, and gives people an important means of communication. There is no longer any doubt that high-speed Internet is an essential service.
In conclusion, the key message I want to share with this committee and other authorities is that all investments in rural communities and sparsely populated regions are just as important as investments in urban communities and more densely populated areas. Post-pandemic, other challenges will emerge when it comes to services to the public, cellular infrastructure, in particular. The FQM urges the federal government to act now with the certainty of knowing that a dollar spent in the regional and rural sector is a dollar well spent for all citizens.
Thank you.