Meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Innovation and Economic Development

Statement by Ministers for Innovation and Economic Development on Connectivity

Statement by Ministers for Innovation and Economic Development on Connectivity

Ensuring universal access to high-speed Internet and mobile wireless networks is essential for long-term economic growth, innovation, and social progress for all Canadians across the country, and fundamental to success in the modern digital world.

Whether its finding information online, selling goods and services to domestic and international markets, or providing e-health or online education services, Canadian consumers, businesses, and public institutions require broadband Internet connectivity to participate fully in the digital economy.

To that end, we agree to build on existing collaboration and work together to enhance connectivity for all Canadians, along with private sector partners, municipalities, public institutions, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations to maximize the impact of our actions.

As we move forward and engage in this work, we will be guided by the following connectivity principles:

Access

  • Access to reliable, high quality and affordable services are necessary for Canada's success in a digital world, to allow all Canadian businesses, households, and public institutions to realize the economic and social benefits of connectivity through the use of advanced technologies and applications
  • Work towards establishing universal access of at least 50 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload taking into context scalability and longer-term growth.
  • Businesses should have access to networks that support their ability to utilize technology, compete, and contribute to the economy.
  • Mobile connectivity on major highways and roads is an important need, including for safety.

Collaboration

  • Collaboration is essential to address the scope of the challenge and maximize the effect of our actions.
  • Shared objectives and priorities will lead to better outcomes.
  • Gathering, having access to, and sharing reliable data can significantly improve analysis and deployment strategies, as well as enable public reporting on progress.
  • Recognize the unique circumstances of Indigenous communities, especially in remote and isolated locations.

Effective Investments

  • Targeting market failures allows governments to direct support to where it is needed most.
  • Coordination of regulatory and spending levers helps ensure effective implementation.
  • Open access requirements can promote competition, affordability, and greater choice and should therefore be considered.
  • Addressing deployment barriers can significantly reduce constructions costs of digital infrastructure.