Thank you, Mr. Chair, and to our distinguished witnesses who are on our panel today.
Mr. Kariya, you mentioned connectivity in your opening remarks. To my understanding, we are on track to connect roughly 98% of Canadians by 2026. I know that this is very near and dear to the minister. There is definitely lots of good work being done, and I understand many communities are excited to be connected.
Mr. Kariya, just last week, our government, with the Government of B.C., committed to making the needed investments in the critical cellular infrastructure that will improve safety along Highway 16, also known as the Highway of Tears. Solving the problem of cellular gaps between communities along Highway 16 was among the Highway of Tears symposium report's 33 recommendations aimed at enhancing safety for indigenous women and girls.
Can you discuss the impact of improving connectivity along this highway and particularly how this investment will improve the safety of women, especially indigenous women?