Honourable senators, I rise today as the sponsor of Bill C-288, which is now before us at third reading and one step closer to becoming law. I would like to once again acknowledge and commend MP Dan Mazier, my colleague in the other house, for his hard work and advocacy on issues surrounding internet services in Canada and the crucial need for implementing Bill C-288, An Act to amend the Telecommunications Act (transparent and accurate broadband services information).

I would also like to thank the members of the Transport and Communications Committee for the work that they did in studying this bill.

As we navigate the digital age, it has become increasingly evident that the disparity between advertised internet speeds and the actual speeds experienced by consumers is a prevalent problem across the country. Countless Canadians, especially those residing in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, are left feeling shortchanged by their internet service providers.

Acknowledging that over 1 million households and more than 50% of First Nations communities in Canada still lack access to high-speed internet is disheartening. Despite the government’s efforts and announcements of substantial investments, the Auditor General’s report revealed a stark reality — a significant portion of the population remains disconnected. This digital divide is a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead of us in bridging the gap and ensuring equitable access to communication technologies for all Canadians.

The need for transparency and accountability in telecommunications cannot be overstated. While other countries have taken proactive measures to address similar issues, Canada needs to catch up in implementing necessary regulations. The European Union’s Open Internet Regulation, adopted in 2015, serves as a benchmark for transparency and retail contract regulations regarding minimum and typical internet speeds. Similarly, the United States Federal Communications Commission’s broadband service disclosure label initiative reflects the essence of Bill C-288, emphasizing the importance of accurate information for consumers.

Bill C-288 represents a crucial step toward rectifying the discrepancies in internet service quality experienced by Canadians. By mandating clear standards for advertising internet speeds during peak periods and enhancing transparency in the telecom sector, this bill aims to empower consumers with accurate information to make informed choices. Furthermore, it makes the internet service providers and regulatory bodies accountable, ensuring that the expectations set by Parliament are met.

Bill C-288 was sent to the Standing Senate Committee on Transportation and Communications, where we heard from witnesses who supported this important bill and recognized the need for reliable and efficient internet services for all Canadians.

OpenMedia said, “When you sign up for an internet plan, you deserve to know what you’re paying for . . . .”

They also said:

It’s a simple matter of truth and transparency. If an Internet provider is advertising certain speeds, consumers have the right to know before they buy if those speeds accurately reflect average network performance. . . .

In addition, they said:

. . . Bill C-288 is not a controversial piece of legislation. We can all agree that it serves to empower everyday people, support their right to high-quality connectivity and protect them from shady business practices by big telecom. Improvements to the status quo will benefit every person in this room and people in Canada writ large.

MP Dan Mazier stated at the committee that:

Access to quality internet is essential, and rural Canadians, in particular, understand the devastating impacts associated with poor Internet service across our nation. If members of the House were to speak with Canadians across our country, they would realize that many feel cheated, misled and ripped-off by Internet companies. . . .

He continued, saying, “Canadians deserve to know what they are paying for. . .”

We have heard compelling testimony highlighting the need for transparency and accountability within the telecommunications sector. OpenMedia’s call for truth and transparency, MP Dan Mazier’s advocacy for rural Canadians and expert insights into the shortcomings of the current Internet Code all reinforce the critical need for Bill C-288.

This bill empowers consumers to make informed choices and holds service providers accountable by mandating clear standards for advertising internet speeds and enhancing transparency. It addresses the persistent digital divide impacting rural, remote and Indigenous communities in particular and aims to ensure that every Canadian is included in the digital age.

The unanimous support from the committee and the overwhelming approval from the House of Commons underscore the urgency and importance of this issue. The passage of Bill C-288 represents more than just legislative progress — it signifies our commitment to ensuring that every Canadian can trust and rely on their internet service.

Honourable senators, we are here now at third reading of Bill C-288, and I ask once again for your support of the passage of Bill. This bill is not just a legislative milestone but a beacon of hope for Canadians seeking reliable and transparent internet services. This bill paves the way for a more equitable and connected future for all Canadians by addressing the long-standing issues of misleading advertisements and inconsistent service quality. Let us seize this opportunity to prioritize consumer interests, foster competition in the telecom sector and propel Canada towards a digital landscape that serves the needs of every citizen. Thank you.