Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table, in both official languages, the dissenting opinion on behalf of the members of the Conservative Party.
Conservative members on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts agree with the Auditor General's finding that a serious digital divide continues to exist in Canada. This divide is prevalent despite years of promises on universal connectivity from successive Liberal governments. The government has failed to connect hundreds of thousands of rural, remote and indigenous households with essential broadband and mobile coverage, which is critical not only to rural Canadians for full participation in Canada's modern and connected economy, but also for the safety and security of all Canadians.
Our Conservative dissenting report provides five recommendations that stand up for rural Canadians and will ensure action is taken to keep them connected. The Government of Canada must act to provide broadband and mobile connectivity to all Canadians, regardless of their postal code. Our common-sense recommendations will ensure that this is the case.