Industry committee  The first thing is that they're just not going to do it. They will not come in if the dollars are not there. If we're going to, in fact, make this happen, we have to have that open competition to be able to use that network that is already there. If they can use that network that is already there and be competitive in providing that service, we know that the free market will work.

Industry committee  Through the chair, thank you for the question. Actually, we've seen the exact opposite. Our community has been very welcoming and understands that we have something really good coming. We're still in our initial stages, of course, but I can talk about some partnerships. We've partnered with some of our small towns as well and what's happened through that is that they've now in fact been able to see the level of service.

Industry committee  I've seen nothing positive at this point in time. I wanted to ensure.... We did have a brief conversation to find out where they were at. I was not confident that we would see any improvement after that meeting. What we have seen though is that areas where a communications company picks a small town within our region and they don't go beyond that boundary, it limits anyone else from coming into the region after that, because—I would call it cherry-picking or whatever—they've picked the best area and left the others out.

Industry committee  We actually have applications into the federal government for two different programs. We have not heard back on our grants yet. We're very hopeful that we will be able to see some of those funds. I think we could show all of Canada what is possible, should we be able to get that grant funding.

Industry committee  Thank you very much. In response to the question, I think one of the key things we've seen most recently is that COVID has shown the need for a really good broadband system. Currently, we have many of our children on and off going to school. They're required to be able to learn online.

Industry committee  Good morning, Madam Chair, and good morning to the honourable members of the committee. I am grateful for this opportunity to appear before you today regarding the Rogers and Shaw merger. My name is Jim Wood, and I'm the mayor of Red Deer County located in the heart of central Alberta.