Hon. Nancy J. Hartling: Minister LeBlanc, welcome to our Senate.

First of all, I want to acknowledge the very welcomed federal contribution for our new recreational complex centre in my home community of Riverview; it’s excellent news.

Today, my question relates to New Brunswick in regard to better access to high-speed internet, especially in rural areas. I understand that the responsibility for implementing the government’s Universal Broadband Fund is the mandate of your colleague Minister Hutchings. However, you may have some intel about this.

Specifically, New Brunswick is proudly one of Canada’s most rural provinces with 50% of people living in rural areas. Although access to high-speed internet in our province is improving, there remains a large digital divide.

Many communities just 20 minutes from Riverview — my home — continue to have service levels well below the 50‑megabyte target. High-speed internet is essential for many reasons, such as for our economy and our education system, but also, as frequently mentioned in recommendations, for reducing the risk of intimate partner violence for women in rural areas, as well as services, which concerns me greatly.

What can you tell me about the government’s efforts to improve rural internet connectivity in New Brunswick? Thank you.