Mr. Speaker, SMEs are crucial to Canada's long-term prosperity and essential to the strength of our economy. Small businesses account for nearly seven in 10 jobs in the private sector and contribute at least 25% to Canada's GDP.
Today, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business issued a report on the importance of increased choice and better customer service for small business telecom needs. Our government understands the importance of competition in the telecom market so Canadians benefit from more choice, lower prices and better service.
Since 2008, we have put in place several important measures that put consumers first in Canada's wireless sector. We are taking action on wholesale wireless roaming rates to promote greater competition, while also imposing fines on telecom service providers that do not play by the rules.
Under Digital Canada 150, we are expanding access to broadband Internet for over 200,000 Canadian households that previously did not have it, and providing higher speed access to more Canadians.
Our government will continue to stand up for consumer choice and competition in our wireless sector.