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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 250

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 9, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 250 - Nov/9/23
Mr. Richard Lehoux (Beauce, CPC)
  • Nov/9/23 2:00:51 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this Liberal government regards people living in rural areas as second-class citizens, leaving them to contend with inadequate cell service. Since the first day I was elected in 2019, I have been urging the government to make this issue a priority. Mr. Morin, from Sainte‑Aurélie, wrote to me and said that, in the event of a fire or accident, emergency services cannot be reached on a cell phone. Repair people and merchants cannot receive calls and messages without leaving the area. I am thinking of Mr. Plante, who nearly died in Saint‑Victor in 2021 because of poor cell coverage and Mr. Paradis, from Saint‑Isidore, who had a heart attack in 2022. The paramedics were unable to communicate with the hospital. The government must force the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, to require telecommunications companies to develop a reliable cellular network throughout the regions. This is a matter of public safety. One call can save lives. Will the government finally answer the call and respond to the heartfelt pleas from people in the regions?
190 words
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