moved for leave to introduce Bill C‑268, an act respecting the spectrum policy framework for Canada.
Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill to improve cellular connectivity in rural areas and on numbered roads. For me, connecting rural areas is a matter of public safety, economic development and fairness, quite simply. Contrary to what some official maps might say, many areas in Canada still need to be connected.
My bill aims to accomplish three things: make coverage data more reliable, update the spectrum framework, and prioritize rural areas and numbered roads in developing cellphone service.
Cellular connectivity is not a luxury. It is about safety, economic development and fairness between regions. People outside major urban centres deserve reliable service too.
This bill will improve our tools to help us better understand the gaps and promote fairer network development across Canada. I sincerely hope that all parties will work together to move this file forward, as it is essential for our rural communities.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)