Public Accounts committee  We have a plan. We have an objective of 50/10. We know that there is another 5% that will evolve through the private sector in the next five years, and we are working together with all the stakeholders to address this 10% gap.

Public Accounts committee  That's still my position. The 3,500 issue has not yet been moved forward, but it will be in due course. As I mentioned in my opening remarks on the 600 side, we did set aside 40% of the spectrum for rural purposes.

Public Accounts committee  I want to start by thanking the Auditor General and his office for their report. This is an extremely important set of issues. We accept the recommendations and are moving forward to improve rural and remote connectivity. I have just a few words, then, on the three specific are

Public Accounts committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Overall, the Government of Canada sees connectivity and broadband as a critical enabler. It really is the way for all Canadians to participate in economic growth, innovation and social inclusion. Overall, we also agree with the recommendations of the Audit

Public Accounts committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to acknowledge that this is likely a final appearance at the public accounts committee in this wonderful room, and I think it is a significant moment. I want to start by thanking the Auditor General and his office for their report. This is an

Industry committee  This is related to an HR issue. Some time ago, in 1985, the Public Service Staff Relations Board ruled that the long-standing interviewers who are used in the census process, for example, were actually employees of the Treasury Board. There continue to be payments as a result of

Industry committee  I would add that the six sector tables actually spent a good deal of time talking about the issues you've raised, and there are a number of recommendations in there. In terms of upscaling, it really needs to be done on a sectoral basis.

Industry committee  We'll have to come back to you with some more information.

Industry committee  We're still in discussion as to exactly how we would do it, but we'll come back to you with whatever information we have.

Industry committee  First of all, we're continuing to monitor the situation, for the reasons several members are raising here. They have immediate access to BDC, so there are opportunities there. Second, as I mentioned earlier, we are looking at other options.

Industry committee  The $15 million is strictly related to projects that have been approved, and they are changing the rate at which they are spending their money. We have had to reprofile, to a later year, the dollars for those projects. In terms of skills, a big component of the innovation and sk

Industry committee  Public security would be in the lead in terms of the critical infrastructure activity. We participate in interdepartmental meetings on a regular basis in terms of emergency preparedness. It would be in that context that there would be a request—

Industry committee  We look at the telecom elements and participate in emergency preparedness.

Industry committee  I meant what I said. The details of that have not yet been made public, but we are looking at exactly what needs to be done there.

Industry committee  The simple answer is that the SIF program itself tends to look at larger firms.