OTTAWA – Canada should aim for "an inclusive digital society" where all residents have access to high-speed Internet at speeds "necessary to bring essential digital services".
These are just a few of the 18 recommendations in a new report from the Senate Committee on Transport and Communication called Plan For A Digital Canada.
The report also calls for a Minister for Digital Policy, who would take over the oversight of the strategy from the Minister of Industry; that proceeds from spectrum auctions should be used to provide broadband access for rural and remote areas of the country; and that the government should pursue open access policies with respect to telecommunications infrastructure as a means of sustaining or improving competition in the telecommunications sector.
Liberal Industry Critic Marc Garneau lauded the report, saying that its recommendations reflect many of his party’s policies on a digital strategy for Canada.
“The Senate report makes further recommendations on open government, on technology adoption and digital literacy for Canadians, and should be commended,” Garneau said in a statement. “Unfortunately, it stands in stark contrast to the direction set by this Conservative government.”
Click here for the full report.
