Mr. Speaker, the hon. member's question is a good one.
First off, I will say that introducing competition into the telecommunications sector has produced significant benefits. There have been reductions in price, especially for long distance calls. Our rates are now lower than those of the United States, where there is a flurry of rate reductions.
Competition is so strong here in Canada that the rates for most Canadians, and this has been the case for a long time as well in Europe, are lower than in the United States. This is a factor of competition between Canada and the United States that is so favourable to us that we can look for investment.
Problems remain. In more rural or remote regions, the cost of services is higher. There are differences in prices because competition has lowered them for long distance calls. We are in a price adjustment period. We continue to have the greatest access to telephones in the world, with an access rate of some 99%.
So almost everyone has access to the telephone system. As mentioned, the CRTC has decided to include in the definition of basic service, access to the Intranet through a local line. That means as well, digital service and single service. These changes will come.
In situations like the one mentioned in Question Period, where significant differences exist in a very small region, I advise him to raise the matter with the CRTC. It has the power to investigate and solve problems when it is satisfied that there is an affordability problem or there are unjustified situations.
That is a short term response. In the long term, we have to be the most connected country in the world, and I totally agree that we will have to concern ourselves with providing access for everyone, not only at home but also, and immediately, in community access centres, schools and libraries.