Discussion · Private Members' Business
Marianne Dandurand Liberal
“Poor cell service hurts local businesses, farms, and students who cannot do schoolwork from home. It is also dangerous. People cannot always call 911 after an accident, and firefighters sometimes cannot call for help. Along the border, 911 calls can connect to the United States by mistake, causing long delays.”
“Mr. Speaker, yes, there are significant economic impacts on businesses. While Internet access is steadily improving, cellular coverage remains a challenge. Transportation provides a clear example of the difficulties we face. The agricultural sector is also feeling the effects. Students may be unable to complete assignments remotely due to a lack of connectivity. This has economic consequences, and social ones as well. Telehealth is still not an option in certain regions. This is also a matter of public safety. There are firefighters who cannot call for backup. There are people on the road who cannot contact emergency services after an accident. This really does create dangerous situations. In our area, some people cannot call 911. Furthermore, as my riding borders the U.S., some residents pick up a signal from the United States. When they dial 911, their call is routed to a U.S. dispatch centre. It can take a very long time before they are transferred back to Canada. Public safety is of the utmost importance to me.”
Mr. Speaker, yes, there are significant economic impacts on businesses. While Internet access is steadily improving, cellular coverage remains a challenge. Transportation provides a clear example of the difficulties we face. The agricultural sector is also feeling the effects. Students may be unable to complete assignments remotely due to a lack of connectivity. This has economic consequences, and social ones as well. Telehealth is still not an option in certain regions. This is also a matter of public safety. There are firefighters who cannot call for backup. There are people on the road who cannot contact emergency services after an accident. This really does create dangerous situations. In our area, some people cannot call 911. Furthermore, as my riding borders the U.S., some residents pick up a signal from the United States. When they dial 911, their call is routed to a U.S. dispatch centre. It can take a very long time before they are transferred back to Canada. Public safety is of the utmost importance to me.