11 May 2020
Rural and remote broadband
Question:
What is the Government of Canada doing to support the development of high-speed internet in rural and remote areas?
Key messages:
- High-speed Internet access is a necessity for all Canadians, no matter where they live — including to telework, to access on-line medicine and for distance learning. These unprecedented times have reinforced this need.
- The Government of Canada has made up to $6 billion available to support the building of rural and remote Internet infrastructure so that these communities can succeed in the digital age.
- The Government is working hard to ensure that rural Canadians have access to high-speed Internet.
Supplementary messages:
- The Government has set an ambitious target of connecting 100 per cent of Canadian homes and businesses to high speed Internet by 2030, no matter where they are.
- Projects funded under the Connect to Innovate program will bring new or improved high-speed access to over 975 rural and remote communities, including 190 Indigenous communities.
- The Government will soon be launching the $1 billion Universal Broadband Fund (UBF), which will support whatever network infrastructure is needed to best meet rural and remote connectivity needs.
- The Government is partnering with Telesat by investing up to $600 million to secure Low Earth Orbit satellite capacity over Canada to reach the most remote communities.
- The CRTC has established a $750 million fund to help provide broadband and mobile services to underserved areas.
- Other federal organizations, including Infrastructure Canada, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and Indigenous Services Canada, also have funding available for high-speed Internet investments.
Background:
Universal Broadband Fund:
In Budget 2019, the government set a national target for 95 per cent of Canadian homes and businesses to have access to speeds of at least 50/10 Megabits per second (Mbps) by 2026 and 100 per cent by 2030, no matter where they are located.
ISED has conducted targeted engagement with stakeholders, including Internet service providers, industry associations, provinces and territories, and Indigenous organizations to help inform technical design aspects of the UBF, which will will support whatever network infrastructure is needed to best meet rural and remote connectivity needs.
Connect to Innovate:
Announced in Budget 2016, Connect to Innovate is primarily focused on the construction of new backbone infrastructure (digital highways that move large amounts of data in and out of communities at high speeds) to connect institutions like schools, hospitals, First Nation band offices and libraries, and to improve residential and business Internet services.
It is anticipated that many CTI projects will be completed and start coming online in 2020.
CRTC Broadband Fund:
In 2016, the CRTC established a fund of up to $750 million to help achieve universal access at speeds of 50/10 Mbps, as well as mobile coverage along major roads. The CRTC's fund is sourced from a levy on telecommunications service providers' revenues.
Telesat Low-Earth-Orbit Satellites:
The government has partnered with Telesat and invested up to $600 million to secure Low Earth Orbit satellite capacity over Canada to reach the most remote communities. These satellites will provide high-bandwidth, low-latency broadband internet coverage to rural and remote regions of Canada, including the North.
Preparation and approvals:
SCMS contact: Tim O'Connor, Manager, 613-294-7639
SCMS approval: Vicky Eatrides, ADM, 613-292-4016
Sector approval: Mark Schaan, ADM, SIPS, 613-790-7126
Connect to Innovate
Question:
How is the Connect to Innovate program improving access to high-speed Internet in rural and remote communities?
Key messages:
- High-speed Internet access is a necessity for all Canadians, no matter where they live.
- The Government of Canada is bringing high-speed service to some of our most rural and remote communities, many of which are Indigenous, that would be left behind without targeted government support.
- The Connect to Innovate program will bring new or improved high-speed Internet access to more than 975 rural and remote communities — more than triple the 300 communities initially targeted — which includes 190 Indigenous communities.
- The Government will build upon this success by continuing to invest billions in rural and remote Internet infrastructure.
Supplementary messages on the speed of CTI projects or status of particular projects:
- I understand that some CTI projects have experienced delays, but most are well underway and many communities will be connected in 2020.
- These are typically multi-year infrastructure projects that experience common delays due to things like weather, equipment procurement, and permits.
- We are working closely with our CTI recipients to resolve project delays and ensure they have the flexibility to complete their networks.
Background:
Connect to Innovate is primarily focused on the construction of new backbone infrastructure (backbone networks are digital highways that move large amounts of data in and out of communities at high speeds) to connect institutions like schools, hospitals, First Nation band offices and libraries, as well as to improve residential and business Internet services.
A portion of the program's funding is also being used to provide "last-mile" infrastructure, to bring Internet access to households and businesses that do not have speeds of at least 5 megabits per second (Mbps). Communities using new backbone infrastructure will see a transformative change in the speeds and services they can access. The launch of the Connect to Innovate program in December 2016 coincided with a competitive national call for applications to the program. Applications were accepted with a submission deadline of noon April 20, 2017.
Connect to Innovate current status:
Through the spring and summer of 2017, nearly 900 applications from various stakeholders underwent a competitive national assessment process. Applications were put forward for selection to the Minister. Funding to bring new or improved high-speed Internet access and capacity to more than 975 communities (190 of which are Indigenous) in 11 provinces and territories. An estimated 1,200 anchor institutions will benefit with new or improved access to high capacity networks, and 22,500 km of fibre network will be installed. In total, as many as 390,000 households will be impacted by this investment. The CTI program has leveraged public and private partnerships, bringing the total investment in rural and remote connectivity to $1.2 billion.
In April 2020, an internal audit of the Connect to Innovate and Connecting Canadians programs found that these major broadband initiatives have been delivered efficiently, exceeded expectations and demonstrated value for money.
Budget 2019:
Budget 2019 proposed a new coordinated plan to deliver billions in investments in rural broadband over the next 10 years to help build a fully connected Canada—including rural, remote and northern communities.
Budget 2019 committed $1.7 billion in new investments to launch the Universal Broadband Fund, secure new, Low Earth Orbit satellite capacity to serve remote and northern communities, and top-up the CTI program.
For the top-up funding, CTI drew from an existing and already assessed pool of high-quality, but not yet selected, CTI applications that could not be funded under the initial Budget 2016 allocation. All CTI funding has now been committed to projects that are expected to be complete by 2023.
CRTC Broadband Fund:
In 2016, the CRTC established a fund of up to $750 million to help achieve universal access at speeds of 50/10 Mbps, as well as mobile coverage along major roads. The CRTC's fund is sourced from a levy on telecommunications service providers' revenues.
On June 3, 2019, the CRTC issued a notice of its first call for applications to its fund. The first call accepted applications for Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and satellite-dependent communities across Canada, and closed on October 3, 2019. The CRTC has since launched a second call for applications to help address needs in all areas across Canada, with applications due by June 1, 2020.
Preparation and approvals:
Sector contact: Krista Campbell, Connected Canada Branch, 343- 291-3773
SCMS contact: Martin Agard, SCMS, 613-292-0413
Sector approval: Krista Campbell, Connected Canada Branch, 343- 291-3773
Mobilizing Industry for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Production
Universal Broadband Fund
Question:
What is the status of the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) that was announced in Budget 2019?
Key messages:
- Canadians know that high-speed Internet access is no longer a luxury — it is necessary for all Canadians. The current crisis has only reinforced the importance of access to high-speed Internet as Canadians are working and learning at home.
- That is why the Government of Canada has made billions available to support the building of rural and remote Internet infrastructure, including $1 billion for the new Universal Broadband Fund.
- The government recognizes the urgency of bridging the digital divide for Canadians.
- We look forward to launching the Universal Broadband Fund soon.
Supplementary messages:
On immediate broadband progress:
- Over 50 rural and remote communities across Canada are already benefitting from completed Connect to Innovate projects that have the potential to bring improved internet speeds to over 25,000 households; and, right now, there are broadband projects in construction phase to improve connectivity for another 150 communities and 50,000 households by the end of 2020. Finally, 750 more communities and 250,000 households are on track to benefit from access to improved internet speeds with Connect to Innovate projects to be completed by the end of 2021.
On the Government's 2030 goal:
- Our goal is for 90% of all Canadians to have access to high-speed Internet no later than 2021. This will be a very significant achievement. The remaining 10% represents the most difficult and challenging of households to reach and our goal is to have half of them connected by 2026 and the remaining 5% by 2030.
- We are continually engaging with stakeholders looking for ways to better improve connectivity for rural and remote Canadians at a range of speeds and data capacities, including download speeds of 50Mbps and 10 Mbps upload speeds.
On factors affecting project rollout and efforts to accelerate:
- Broadband projects, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas, require time to be designed, developed, and constructed. There are many factors that affect how quickly projects can be rolled out once funding has been approved, including human resources, materials, weather, and the capacity of project proponents. We continually work with proponents to help wherever and however we can to speed up projects.
- We have listened to stakeholders and will be implementing a number of improvements to increase the ease and speed of the project application process under the Universal Broadband Fund, including significantly more detailed maps, a simpler application process, and a pathfinder service to assist smaller project proponents.
On whether broadband is an essential service or human right:
- There is no doubt that high-speed Internet is essential for all Canadians. The current crisis has only reinforced the importance of access to high-speed Internet as Canadians are working and learning at home.
- We recognize that telecommunications providers — including field workers who repair networks and staff at stores who repair phones and communications devices — are providing essential services to Canadians at this time.
- I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their important work.
- The Government of Canada has made billions available to support the building of rural and remote Internet infrastructure, including $1 billion for the new Universal Broadband Fund.
- Our goal is for 90% of all Canadians to have access to high-speed Internet no later than 2021. The remaining 10% represents the most difficult and challenging of households to reach and our goal is to have half of them connected by 2026 and the remaining 5% by 2030.
- Over 50 rural and remote communities across Canada are already benefitting from completed Connect to Innovate projects that have the potential to bring improved internet speeds to over 25,000 households; and, right now, there are broadband projects in construction phase to improve connectivity for another 150 communities and 50,000 households by the end of 2020. Finally, 750 more communities and 250,000 households are on track to benefit from access to improved internet speeds with Connect to Innovate projects to be completed by the end of 2021.
- The government recognizes the urgency of bridging the digital divide for Canadians and we are continually engaging with stakeholders looking for ways to better improve connectivity for rural and remote Canadians at a range of speeds.
- We look forward to expanding on our success to date and launching the Universal Broadband Fund soon.
On Universal Broadband Fund engagement:
- The federal government launched the "Get Connected" website in summer 2019. It provides Canadians an opportunity to submit feedback about their Internet service providers and to test their Internet speeds;
- We have now launched new broadband coverage maps that provide significantly more detail than before to better identify underserved Canadians and help applicants submit targeted projects; and
- We have been engaging with partners and stakeholders, including provinces and territories, municipalities, Internet Service Providers, and Indigenous groups on the design of the UBF to ensure it responds to the needs of rural communities, provides applicants the support they need, and can accept and approve projects quickly.
Background:
Universal Broadband Fund:
In Budget 2019, the federal government set a national target, in which 95 per cent of Canadian homes and businesses will have access to speeds of at least 50/10 Megabits per second (Mbps) by 2026 and 100 per cent by 2030, no matter where they are located in the country. To help reach this target, the Government committed $1.7 billion starting in 2019-2020 for a suite of new broadband initiatives. Included in this funding is $1 billion to launch a new program, the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF). The remaining funding was for a top-up to the Connect to Innovate program and $600 million to secure Low Earth Orbit satellite capacity for remote and northern communities.
ISED officials have been engaging with stakeholders on UBF program design. Engagement began in August 2019 with the launch of the Get Connected website. The website allows Canadians to do a speed test, provide feedback on their Internet service and read about all available federal broadband programs. The website also allows potential applicants to submit their proposed projects to obtain feedback on the availability of existing services in the area to help refine their final proposals in anticipation of the launch of the UBF. Additionally, all applicants to CTI and CCP were offered the opportunity to complete a survey about ISED's broadband programs. Finally, ISED is conducting targeted engagement with stakeholders including Internet service providers, industry associations, provinces and territories, and Indigenous organizations to help inform technical design aspects of the UBF.
Connectivity Strategy:
The Government published Canada's Connectivity Strategy in June 2019. The Strategy committed to connecting every Canadian to affordable, high-speed Internet no matter where they live by 2030, and to improve mobile cellular access from coast to coast to coast. The UBF is a key action under the Strategy, along with other complementary measures such as improving access to spectrum, reducing barriers to investment, and broadband funding from other entities including the CRTC, Infrastructure Canada, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank. The UBF is being designed in this context.
CRTC Broadband Fund:
In 2016, the CRTC established a fund of up to $750 million to help achieve universal access at speeds of 50/10 Mbps, as well as mobile coverage along major roads. The CRTC's fund is sourced from a levy on telecommunications service providers' revenues.
On June 3, 2019, the CRTC issued a notice of its first call for applications to its fund. The first call accepted applications for Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and satellite-dependent communities across Canada, and closed on October 3, 2019. The CRTC has since launched a second call for applications to help address needs in all areas across Canada, with applications due by June 1, 2020.
Preparation and approvals:
Sector contact: Krista Campbell, Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector, 343-291-3773
SCMS contact: Martin Agard, Communications and Marketing Branch, 613-292-0413
Sector approval: Krista Campbell, Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector, 343-291-3773
Connectivity pricing during COVID-19
Question:
What is the Government doing to support smaller internet service providers (ISPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Key messages:
- The current crisis has reinforced the importance of access to high-speed Internet as Canadians are working, learning, and communicating from home.
- We know this is a very difficult time for all Canadians. Canada's networks have been delivering well to keep us connected, but we recognize that there continue to be challenges.
- We are engaged with Canada's telecommunications service providers to ensure that they can continue to provide the services upon which we all rely to stay connected and informed.
Supplementary messages:
On equitable wholesale access:
- The CRTC is engaged with service providers on equitable access issues.
- With respect to wholesale access rates, there are several appeal processes ongoing and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on them specifically.
Background:
ISED and the CRTC have been engaging with ISPs since the beginning of the pandemic on network resiliency and availability issues. Overall, Canadian networks are holding up well. With respect to costs of home internet access, most service providers have proactively waived data overage fees and have taken other actions to accommodate the current situation.
The Government of Canada is continuing to work with industry, and has been adjusting regulatory requirements and timing so that industry can focus on near-term needs. Broad-based economic support for small businesses is available to, and assists, smaller ISPs. Direct financial support to Canadians is also helping them continue to pay their internet bills.
A number of smaller ISPs are concerned about the rates and terms for access to wholesale capacity on the networks of the larger providers. They are engaged with the CRTC, in its role as the independent regulatory tribunal, on these issues. Certain rates in question are also subject to appeal, including to the Federal Court of Appeal.
Additionally, ISED has extended the payment date for annual licence renewal fees to September 1, 2020 to provide immediate cash flow relief. Further, ISED has allowed unused spectrum to be shared between telecommunications service providers to increase coverage and capacity. ISED has also accelerated the process to get licences.
Preparation and approvals:
SCMS contact: Kathleen Guillot, Manager, 343-548-8571
SCMS approval: Vicky Eatrides, ADM, 613-292-4016
Sector approval: Patricia Brady, Director General, SIPS, 613-790-7126
5G
Question:
What is the Government doing to support the development and implementation of 5G in Canada?
Key messages:
- 5G networks will be a key driver of innovation and will enable new technologies such as clean energy, smart cities, precision agriculture, autonomous vehicles, and advanced telemedicine.
- These new technologies will create exciting opportunities for Canadians, well-paying jobs, and innovative new products and services.
- 5G will require that new spectrum be made available.
- The Government is committed to making spectrum available at the right time to support the deployment of 5G.
Supplementary messages:
- The planned auctions of 3500 MHz, 3800 MHz, and millimetre wave spectrum will lay the groundwork for the initial deployment of 5G technologies in Canada.
- The Government is also investing in 5G by supporting firms through its Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) and ENCQOR (Evolution of Networked Services through a Corridor in Québec and Ontario for Research and Innovation).
Supplementary messages on 5G security:
- While we cannot comment on specific companies, an examination of emerging 5G technology and the associated security and economic considerations is underway. The review is considering technical and security factors, including advice from security agencies and will consider decisions from our allies and partners.
- Public Safety Canada and its partners at CSIS, the Communications Security Establishment, the Department of National Defence, as well as Global Affairs Canada and Innovation, Science, and Economic Development, are working together on this important issue.
- We are committed to the security of Canadian networks and will make appropriate decisions in due course.
Supplementary messages on health concerns related to 5G:
- As with current wireless devices and associated infrastructure, 5G devices and antenna installations must meet the Safety Code 6 radio frequency exposure requirements before they can be sold or operated in Canada.
- Safety Code 6 already covers the frequency ranges that will be used by 5G devices and antenna installations.
- ISED maintains a market surveillance program and routinely audits antenna installations and devices to verify compliance with Safety Code 6.
- As the responsibility for developing Safety Code 6 lies with Health Canada, questions regarding its development should be directed to that Department.
Background:
5G is expected to bring significant increases in capacity and speed, as well as considerably lower latency. This, in turn, will support the emergence of a more flexible, continuously connected, and responsive digital economy in Canada. 5G will have a transformative impact across all economic sectors. In a June 2018 report, Accenture Strategy predicted that 5G wireless technologies could add up to $40 billion annually to the Canadian economy by 2026.
The Government's multi-year spectrum plan, the Spectrum Outlook 2018 to 2022, outlines its commitment to make more spectrum available for mobile broadband and to support the deployment of 5G systems in Canada. More specifically, the Government is planning to hold a number of spectrum auctions in the coming years to support 5G, starting with 3500 MHz spectrum, followed by the high-frequency mm Wave band, and then 3800 MHz spectrum.
Preparation and approvals:
Sector Approval: Eric Dagenais, Senior ADM, Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector, 613-762-3041
SCMS approval: Vicky Eatrides, ADM, SCMS, 343-291-1652
Wireless data tracking and privacy
Question:
Is the federal government using Canadians' wireless data to track COVID-19 cases?
Key messages:
- The Communications Research Centre is analyzing de-identified wireless data to help fight the spread of COVID-19, and is sharing its analysis with the Public Health Agency of Canada.
- The de-identified data will help identify mobility patterns to provide insights into self-distancing and emergency measures.
- This work respects all applicable privacy laws, and the data has been de-identified and aggregated — it does not contain any personal information.
- Canadians can be assured that their privacy is being protected.
Supplementary messages:
- The health and safety of Canadians is the government's top priority.
- The government will continue to ensure that its public health interventions are evidence-based, informed by science and based on the most robust data available.
Background:
ISED's Communications Research Centre (CRC) conducts advanced wireless technologies research related to spectrum management. It uses commercial, de-identified wireless-related big data, AI and data science to see how spectrum is used, and to predict where it might be used next. Some of CRC's research has been redirected to assist with the government's COVID-19 efforts by providing data, analytics and artificial intelligence expertise to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
Currently, the CRC shares daily analyses with PHAC that describe mobility patterns across the country, providing insights on the impacts of self-distancing and emergency measures to further complement PHAC's analysis to understand how the outbreak may spread.
The CRC is seeking additional de-identified datasets from government and commercial sources, such as carriers, to strengthen and complement its analyses. In particular, access to datasets from wireless carriers could increase the reliability of the preliminary results and correct some possible biases. Carrier data would also provide more timely information than that currently available to the CRC.
Preparation and approvals:
SCMS contact: Kathleen Guillot, Manager, 613-402-9025
SCMS approval: Vicky Eatrides, ADM, 613-292-4016
Sector approval: Patricia Brady, Director General, SIPS, 613-790-7126
Pandemic spread monitoring app
Question:
Is the Government of Canada working on a pan-Canadian app to monitor the spread of the pandemic?
Key messages:
- The Government of Canada is working hard to mobilize Canada's industrial manufacturing and research communities to fight COVID-19.
- All sectors of the economy, including data and digital technology, have a role to play to flatten the curve of COVID-19 and support Canada's economy.
- As previously noted by the Prime Minister, the Government has received a number of proposals to develop an app to track the spread of COVID-19. However, we understand that the need to gather this data must be balanced with the privacy and security rights of Canadians.
- The Government continues to review the significant number of submissions of interest, including from data and digital technology players, and will continue to provide updates as this work evolves.
Supplementary messages on cooperation with the provinces:
- The Government is working closely with provinces and territories on how best to move forward with digital innovation as part of our effort to fight COVID-19.
- Discussions are underway with several stakeholders to ensure that any digital solutions reflect Canadian values, have strong privacy protections and safeguards, and are in line with the strongest ethical standards.
Background:
Governments in Canada and internationally have deployed, or are in the process of deploying, digital technologies to support their efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Many governments are interested in smartphone applications or in using telecommunications data for public purposes. Examples include:
- Monitoring and modelling overall population movements using location data (available through smartphone applications or telecommunications service providers);
- Digital contact tracing, where public health officials use data collected by an individual's phone (usually through an app designed for this specific purpose) to identify and contact people to whom an infected individual may have transmitted the virus; and
- Quarantine enforcement, where law enforcement authorities use telecommunications or other digital data to survey and punish individuals who are contravening mandatory quarantine and isolation measures.
Governments and organizations in Canada have, to date, focused on smartphone applications for digital contact tracing. Examples include the COVI app being developed by the MILA Institute in Montreal, the MyTrace app being developed by the Vector Institute in Toronto, and the Deloitte-developed ABTraceTogether app that the Government of Alberta launched on May 1, 2020.
Apple and Google require that public—especially health—apps receive government endorsement before they are available through their respective app stores. As an app developed on behalf of Alberta's public health authorities, ABTraceTogether is the only digital contact tracing app that is currently operational in Canada.
All digital technologies for monitoring and containing the pandemic take into account privacy implications. The Privacy Commissioner of Canada, and his provincial/territorial counterparts, have issued guidance on the application of privacy laws and broader principles for privacy protection during the pandemic. Commissioners have noted the need for digital solutions to align with existing privacy rules and appropriate government authorities for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. Civil society actors, such as the Canadian Civil Liberties Association have also called on governments to ensure data based measures reflect real public health needs and are subject to close oversight by privacy commissioners.
With regard to specific technologies, the federal Commissioner has noted that MILA has engaged his Office in developing their app. The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta has received a privacy impact assessment of the ABTraceTogether app for which it intends to provide a public summary.
Preparation and approvals:
SCMS contact: Kathleen Guillot, Manager, 613-402-9025
Sector contact: Jennifer Miller, DG, SIPS, 343-291-2133
SCMS approval: Frédéric Baril, Director, 343-291-2782
Sector approval: Mark Schaan, a/ADM, SIPS, 613-793-6564
Impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous businesses
Question:
What is the Government of Canada doing to help Indigenous businesses weather the COVID-19 pandemic?
Key messages:
- The Government of Canada has introduced a series of significant measures to help support Canadian businesses facing the impacts of COVID-19.
- One of these measures is funding of up to $306.8 million to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses.
- This measure will help an estimated 6,000 Indigenous-owned businesses get through these difficult times.
- The government also made available $15 million in non-repayable support for businesses in the territories to assist them with operating costs not already covered by other government measures.
- The government is committed to examining further supports needed to ensure that these important businesses can continue to remain viable.
Supplementary messages:
Importance of Indigenous businesses:
- We know that Indigenous communities depend on their locally owned businesses.
- There are over 43,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis business owners in Canada, according to the National Household Survey.
- The Indigenomics Institute estimates the value of the Indigenous economy at $32 billion.
These business face a number of unique challenges, including rural or remote locations, distant supply chains, lack of adequate infrastructure/reliable internet connectivity, lack of credit history, and lack of financial management capacity.
Implementation of new funding ($306.8 million):
- Financial support for Indigenous businesses will be provided through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the Métis Capital Corporations in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada.
- The funding will allow for interest-free loans, as well as non-repayable contributions, to help Indigenous businesses unable to access the government's existing COVID-19 support measures.
- Additional funding will help Aboriginal Financial Institutions cover operational expenses, and help the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association increase its operational capacity.
- The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association is a network of 59 Aboriginal Financial Institutions providing a full range of financial services, loans, and grants to First Nations, Inuit and Métis entrepreneurs to start new, and to expand existing, businesses.
Support for northern communities:
- The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) will immediately make available $15 million in non repayable funding, including direct support for ongoing costs incurred by northern small- and medium-sized businesses, in order to help them continue to play a vital role in northern communities.
- CanNor's strong relationships with territorial governments best position the Agency to ensure that relief efforts are complementary and that funding gets to the businesses that need it most.
Indigenous tourism businesses:
- The government is in constant contact with tourism stakeholders and business leaders to ensure that we are supporting businesses in this sector.
Preparation and approvals:
SCMS contact: Marie-Michele Caux, Manager, 343-550-9496
SCMS approval: Vicky Eatrides, ADM, 613-292-4016
Sector approval: Frances McRae, ADM, SBMS, 343-291-1800
Mobilizing industry to fight COVID-19
Question:
How is the Government of Canada mobilizing Canadian industry to fight the COVID-19 pandemic?
Key messages:
- The health and safety of Canadians is the Government of Canada's top priority.
- The Government's Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19 will provide critical medical supplies and equipment to healthcare workers.
- Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the Government has been working closely with industry to address those areas that require urgent investment.
- We have procured critical supplies while providing jobs for Canadians and supporting our valuable businesses through this difficult time.
- Companies are forming new partnerships and finding new and innovative ways to protect the health and safety of Canadians.
Supplementary messages:
On ISED's role in mobilizing industry:
- From ISED's first call to mobilize Canadian industry on March 20, more than 6,000 responses from Canadian businesses and industry have been fielded, each one ready to step up and help meet the needs of Canada's health care system.
- ISED is engaging with all companies that have submitted the offer of support through the Call to Action, to assess how they can support the urgent needs of Canadians and front line health workers.
Background:
On March 20 2020, the Prime Minister put out a call to Canadian businesses and announced the creation of a plan to mobilize and support Canada's domestic manufacturing capacity to supply vital made-in-Canada protective gear and other medical equipment and devices needed to respond to the outbreak of COVID-19. Since then, nearly 6,000 Canadian companies have offered their expertise and capacity as we work together to mobilize the Canadian industry to overcome this extraordinary challenge.
Since March 20, 2020, the government has acted to mobilize Canada's industrial manufacturing community. The government has deployed industry and innovation programming, such as IRAP, SIF, Superclusters, and Innovative Solutions Canada to support companies in rapidly scaling up their production capacity in Canada.
Since then, Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, has announced significant progress under Canada's new procurement agreements with Canadian industrial suppliers of medical equipment, securing further personal protective equipment (PPE) for our healthcare workers.
Preparation and approvals:
SCMS contact: Bram Sepers, Manager, 613-293-4275
SCMS approval: Vicky Eatrides, ADM, 343-291-1652
Sector approval: Charles Vincent, A/A-ADM, 343-291-2114
Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) support during COVID-19
Question:
What is the Government of Canada doing to support small and medium-sized businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Key messages:
- The Government of Canada understands the sacrifices small businesses have made in temporarily closing their doors to help keep us all safe. We are focused on helping Canadians and businesses get through this tough economic time.
- We will continue to protect the health and safety of Canadians, while supporting families and businesses and keeping our economy strong and ready to bounce back once we are through this.
- Over the past few weeks, we spoken with thousands of businesses across the country.
- We are now delivering the largest single support package in our history in response to what we've heard, and to the realities of this crisis.
- Our emergency support measures help businesses keep their employees, have the cash flow to keep operating, and keep their costs low.
- We will do whatever it takes to help entrepreneurs and small businesses during this crisis.
Supplementary messages:
On some businesses being ineligible for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA):
- We understand that some businesses are concerned that programs such as the Canada Emergency Business Account don't apply to them, or they are ineligible.
- We are constantly meeting with businesses and stakeholders and listening to what they tell us, to ensure the programs and services we offer during this difficult time do what they are designed to do: meet the needs of Canadian businesses.
- To make it accessible to more businesses, the qualifying payroll threshold was expanded to between $20,000 and $1.5 million, from $50,000 to $1 million, based on feedback received.
- Nothing is off the table, and we will continue to refine and make changes to these programs as needed.
On Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA):
- The Government of Canada, in partnership with the provincial and territorial governments, is introducing the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses.
- It offers forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners so that they can reduce the rent owed by their impacted small business tenants by at least 75% for the months of April, May and June, 2020.
Preparation and approvals:
SCMS contact: Riyadh Nazerally, Communications Advisor, SCMS, 343-548-9038
SCMS approval: Vicky Eatrides, ADM, SCMS, 343-291-1652
Sector approval: Frances McRae, ADM, SBMS, 343-291-1800
Reopening the economy
Question:
How will the Government of Canada ensure that the economy returns safely and efficiently?
Key messages:
- Canadians recognize the seriousness of this pandemic and have demonstrated remarkable resilience during this difficult time.
- Canadian industries have stepped up to keep essential supplies and services moving, and to help fill gaps in critical supplies of protective equipment and medical supplies.
- The Government of Canada is also making available supports and investments for Canadians, business, and organizations to ensure that the economy remains resilient.
- As the Prime Minister has indicated, the Government will work closely with provinces and territories to ensure that a coordinated approach is taken to carefully reopen the economy at the right time. This approach will involve many industrial partners — while also considering public health directives.
- At this time, Canadians should continue abiding by all public health guidelines.
Background:
As a result of successful mitigation measures, several EU countries including Germany and Denmark are in the midst of relaxing containment measures and opening businesses and schools gradually. Italy and Spain, both hit hard by the COVID-19 virus, are experiencing downward trends in new infections and deaths and are also planning the gradual reopening of their economies. Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland are also relaxing lockdown and economic restrictions.
France is targeting a May 11th date for relaxing requirements, including schools; however, it is still subject to the state of readiness of technology measures.
On April 14th, the U.S. released federal guidelines for states to reopen the economy, following three stages (each lasting 14 days) based on downward trends in key monitoring areas that would allow for scaled and gradual social activities and businesses including services.
Anxiety over the economic impacts of the COVID-19 remains high globally — China's economy shrank 6.8% in the first three months of this year — the first time in more than three decades for China, prompting calls by the governing party to pursue aggressive economic measures.
In Canada, a cautious approach to reopening is being contemplated, based on the advice of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, ensuring adequate containment,
control, risk mitigation and prevention. The health and safety of Canadians is at the core of the Canadian strategy and the Prime Minister has signalled that it will be done in close collaboration with provinces and territories.
Premiers have signalled to the Prime Minister that they do not feel it necessary for the invocation of federal powers through the Emergency Measures Act as they are confident they have the resources to successfully manage the pandemic.
Preparation and approvals:
SCMS contact: Riyadh Nazerally, Communications Advisor, 343-548-9038
SCMS approval: Vicky Eatrides, ADM, 613-292-4016
Sector approval: Mark Schaan, A/SADM, SIPS, 613-793-6564
Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) support for employees during COVID-19
Question:
How is the Government of Canada helping small and medium-sized businesses support their employees?
Key messages:
- The Government of Canada understands that many small businesses have seen their sales drop, and have had to make the hard decision to cut staff, and close their doors temporarily.
- The government has introduced several measures to help companies keep people on the payroll, and to ensure that businesses are able to recover once the crisis is over.
- The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy covers up to 75% of an employee's wages — up to $847 per employee, per week. This includes new employees.
- The Canada Emergency Response Benefit is providing $2,000 a month, for up to four months, to anyone who lost income due to COVID-19.
- The government has invested $263 million in the Canada Summer Jobs program to help employers hire summer staff — that's up to 70,000 jobs.
- The government extended the EI Work Sharing Program from 38 to 76 weeks, providing benefits to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours.
Background:
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy:
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) will provide eligible employers a temporary wage subsidy for a 12-week period (from March 15, 2020 to June 6, 2020). The subsidy will be available to businesses of all sizes, as well as non-profit organizations and charities, whose revenues have decreased by at least 30% due to COVID 19 (for the month of March, the government has made the CEWS more accessible by reducing the 30% benchmark to 15%). It will cover up to 75% of wages on the first $58,700 that an employee earns, up to $847 per week.
Extending EI Work Sharing:
The EI Work Sharing program, which provides benefits to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours as a result of developments beyond the control of their employers, will be extended from 38 weeks to 76 weeks.
Temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs Program:
The Canada Summer Jobs program provides opportunities for youth to develop and improve their skills within the not-for-profit, small business, and public sectors, and supports the delivery of key community services. Changes will be introduced to the program, including: an increase to the wage subsidy (up to 100% of applicable minimum hourly wage), an extension to the end date for employment to February 28, 2021, and allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit:
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who have lost their income as a result of COVID-19. Eligibility periods for the CERB are fixed in 4-week periods ($2,000 per period), with Canadians having the ability to re-apply for the CERB for multiple 4-week periods, to a maximum of 16 weeks.
To help more Canadians benefit from the CERB, the government has changed the eligibility rules (retroactive to March 15, 2020) to:
- allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB;
- extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their regular EI benefits and are unable to undertake their usual seasonal work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak; and
- extend the CERB to workers who recently exhausted their regular EI benefits and are unable to find a job or return to work because of COVID-19.
Preparation and approvals:
SCMS contact: Riyadh Nazerally, Communications Advisor, 343-548-9038
SCMS approval: Vicky Eatrides, ADM, 613-292-4016
Sector approval: Frances McRae, ADM, SBMS, 343-291-1800
Keeping business costs low during COVID-19
Question:
How is the Government of Canada keeping costs low for small and medium-sized businesses?
Key messages:
- The Government of Canada has introduced a number of relief measures to help businesses keep operating costs low during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To help businesses cover expenses, the Canada Emergency Business Account offers businesses access, through their financial institution, to a $40,000 interest-free loan. If that loan is repaid by the end of 2022, 25% will be forgiven, up to $10,000.
- Many businesses want to keep their staff on payroll to be ready to bounce back after the pandemic. The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy will help support up to 75% of wages for businesses with a payroll between $20,000 and $1.5 million in 2019.
- To help those businesses, like retail stores and restaurants, forced to close down their stores and facing the stress of making rent, we introduced the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program (CECRA). It will support 75 percent of affected tenants' rent for the next three months, going back to April 1.
- For smaller businesses, the government previously announced 10% wage subsidy can help by providing up to $1,375 per employee, and up to $25,000 total per employer.
- The Government is also allowing businesses to defer until June 30, 2020 payments of the GST/HST, as well as customs duty owing on their imports. Income tax payments may be deferred until August 31, 2020.
Background:
Canada Emergency Business Account:
The new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. Business owners can apply for support from the CEBA through their banks and credit unions.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy:
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) will provide eligible employers a temporary wage subsidy for a 12-week period (from March 15, 2020 to June 6, 2020). The subsidy will be available to businesses, non-profit organizations and charities whose revenues have decreased by at least 30% due to COVID 19. It will cover up to 75% of wages on the first $58,700 that an employee earns, up to $847 per week.
10% Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers:
Employers that do not qualify for CEWS may qualify for the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers, a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Tax Deferrals:
The CRA allows all businesses to defer until August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.
The CRA also allows businesses, including self-employed individuals, to defer until June 30, 2020 payments of the Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST), as well as customs duties owing on their imports.
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA):
The Government of Canada, in partnership with the provincial and territorial governments, is introducing the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. It offers forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners so that they can reduce the rent owed by their impacted small business tenants by at least 75% for the months of April, May and June, 2020.
Preparation and approvals:
SCMS contact: Riyadh Nazerally, Communications Advisor, 343-548-9038
SCMS approval: Vicky Eatrides, ADM, 613-292-4016
Sector approval: Frances McRae, ADM, SBMS, 343-291-1800
Helping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) secure funding during COVID-19
Question:
How is the Government of Canada helping small and medium-sized businesses secure funding to continue to operate?
Key messages:
- The Government of Canada is providing support to small businesses by allowing them to quickly access funds through financial institutions.
- The government established the Business Credit Availability Program, or BCAP. Through this program, Export Development Canada and the Business Development Bank of Canada are providing critical support to help businesses cover costs and prepare for when the pandemic is over.
- The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is providing small businesses and non-profits with payrolls between $20,000 and $1.5 million with an interest-free loan of up to $40,000. If the loan is repaid by the end of 2022, up to $10,000 will be forgiven.
- The government also announced over $1 billion for additional targeted measures to help small businesses, including innovative businesses and young entrepreneurs. These will be available through the regional development agencies, the National Research Council of Canada and Futurpreneur Canada.
- The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance programwill ensure that tenants and landlords don't have to worry during this difficult time.
- These measures will help businesses of all sizes and across all sectors that are struggling with cash flow to bridge to better times.
Background:
Business Credit Availability Program:
The Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) will provide more than $65 billion in additional support for businesses across all sectors and regions. Through this program, Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), alongside a wide range of financial institutions, will provide lending and other types of financing to support businesses facing challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The program includes:
- Canada Emergency Business Account
- The new Canada Emergency Business Account provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced.
- To make it accessible to more businesses, the qualifying payroll threshold was expanded to between $20,000 and $1.5 million, from $50,000 to $1 million, based on feedback received.
- Organizations now need to demonstrate that they paid between $20,000 and $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019.
- Loan Guarantee for SMEs
- EDC is working with financial institutions to issue new operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million (80% guaranteed by EDC) to SMEs.
- These loans have a 1-year term with automatic renewal.
- Co-Lending Program for SMEs
- BDC is working with financial institutions to co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements.
- Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts of up to $6.25 million (80% guaranteed by BDC) through the program.
The EDC New Loan Guarantee and BDC co-lending program for SMEs are additive, meaning a firm could access up to $12.5 million in credit between the two.
- Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance
- The Government of Canada, in partnership with the provincial and territorial governments, is introducing the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses.
- It offers forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners so that they can reduce the rent owed by their impacted small business tenants by at least 75% for the months of April, May and June, 2020.
Other targeted measures:
- $675 million to provide financing support to small and medium-sized businesses that are unable to access the government's existing COVID-19 support measures, through the regional development agencies.
- $287 million to support rural businesses and communities, including by providing them with access to capital through the Community Futures Network.
- $250 million to assist innovative, early-stage companies that are unable to access existing COVID-19 business support, through the National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program.
- $20.1 million in support for Futurpreneur Canada to continue to support young entrepreneurs across Canada who are facing challenges due to COVID-19. The funding will allow Futurpreneur Canada to provide payment relief for its clients for up to 12 months.
- $306.8 million to small and medium sized Indigenous businesses and Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses.
- $5 billion in lending by Farm Credit Canada to producers, agribusinesses, and food processors.
- $500 million to support cultural, heritage and sport organizations to address financial needs of artists and athletes.
Preparation and approvals:
SCMS contact: Riyadh Nazerally, Communications Advisor, 343-548-9038
SCMS approval: Vicky Eatrides, ADM, 613-292-4016
Sector approval: Frances McRae, ADM, SBMS, 343-291-1800
Protecting critical infrastructure and anti-5G tower fires
Key messages:
- We understand that recently there have been acts of vandalism that have targeted our telecommunications systems. Acts like this will be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate police of jurisdiction.
- We have seen similar trends in other countries that have been linked to the false notion that 5G is somehow related to the COVID-19 virus.
- There is no scientific evidence that suggests a connection between 5G and COVID-19. The Government of Canada is working hard to stop this type of misinformation by providing Canadians with science-based facts.
- More than ever, reliable connectivity is a necessity for our daily lives and our collective safety and security, underpinning the delivery of things such as health care, financial transactions, safe transportation, and emergency communications.
- Protecting the critical systems and infrastructure Canadians rely on every day, including Canada's telecommunications systems, is a major priority for the Government of Canada.
- Canada's National Strategy and Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure sets out an all-hazards risk management approach to strengthening the resilience of Canada's critical infrastructure. This approach takes into account natural, accidental, and intentional threats that could affect Canada's vital assets and systems.
- The Government continuously works to enhance critical infrastructure resilience by identifying threats and hazards, sharing information on these findings with stakeholders, and working with industry partners to prepare for disruptions and incidents to better protect Canada and Canadians.
Background:
Fifth Generation wireless technology:
Wireless systems are the modern infrastructure on which the global data driven economy is built. The global telecommunications sector is undergoing a transition from fourth generation wireless technology to fifth generation (5G). 5G networks will operate at significantly higher speeds and will provide greater versatility, capability, and complexity than previous generations. As a result, 5G systems will become a crucial component of Canada's critical infrastructure. Although the full implementation of 5G in Canada's telecommunications sector will take several years, some major telecommunications service providers (TSPs) have begun announcing the initial vendors whose equipment will be used to build their 5G systems, including Rogers (Ericsson), Vidéotron (Samsung), and Bell (Nokia). 5G spectrum auctions will continue throughout 2020.
5G telecommunications systems, like the generations before it, will play a critical role in ensuring public safety and security in Canada, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. More than ever, reliable connectivity is a necessity for our daily lives and our collective safety and security, underpinning the delivery of things such as health care, financial transactions, safe transportation, and emergency communications. Acts of vandalism or sabotage directed at the towers that make up these systems, whether 5G or previous generations, could cause disruptions and jeopardize the safety and security of Canadians.
Misinformation:
Over the last several months, during the roll-out of 5G networks internationally, incidents of vandalism and arson targeting network towers have been reported. These acts are purported to have been carried out by individuals or groups who believe there is a connection between the timeline of 5G networks being installed worldwide and the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 and 5G network conspiracy theories have gained significant traction online since the beginning of 2020. Social media has been widely used by opponents of 5G networks to spread conspiracies about the link between 5G and COVID-19. Open source analysis revealed that two Facebook groups in Canada, 5G-Toronto Under Attack and STOP 5G Montreal perpetuate conspiracies, posting propaganda material related to 5G and health concerns to their pages.
Canadian incidents:
In the first week of May 2020, media reported three separate incidents in Quebec where cell towers were targeted and lit on fire. All three incidents are under investigation by police, who have indicated it is too soon to determine whether these are acts of vandalism by anti-5G protesters. Although these incidents occurred in Quebec, given the widespread prevalence of the 5G/COVID-19 conspiracy theories, there is concern that this type of activity could be repeated elsewhere in Canada.
Protecting Canada's critical infrastructure:
Canada's approach to critical infrastructure security and resilience is outlined in the 2010 National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure (National Strategy). The 10 critical infrastructure sectors outlined in the National Strategy are: (1) energy and utilities, (2) finance, (3) food, (4) transportation, (5) government, (6) information and communication technology, (7) health, (8) water, (9) safety, and (10) manufacturing.
The accompanying Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure (the most recent iteration of which is for 2018-2020) serves as the blueprint that outlines how the Strategy is implemented, with specific deliverables Public Safety Canada is undertaking in collaboration with its public and private sector partners.
Recognizing that most critical infrastructure in Canada is owned by the private and non-federal public sector, the National Strategy is based on three strategic objectives: (1) building partnerships, (2) implementing an all-hazards risk management approach, and (3) sharing and protecting information.
Public Safety, along with other governmental stakeholders, continues to engage with critical infrastructure owners and operators to ensure that critical services continue to be delivered to Canadians, particularly during times of crisis.
Preparation and approval:
Gregory Bunghardt, A/Manager, National Cyber Security Directorate, 613-990-9608 / 613-558-8231
Dominic Rochon, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, 613-990-4976
Supports for rural communities
Key messages:
- As COVID-19 continues to have an unprecedented impact, the Government of Canada is taking strong action to help all Canadians, including rural Canadians, no matter where they live.
- Through its COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Government of Canada continues to introduce a wide range of new measures designed to help individuals, families, businesses and industries in rural communities to get through this pandemic.
- As this situation evolves, so will our government's response.
Support for employees and employers:
- To support Canadians, including seasonal workers, who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19, we introduced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
- To help students and new graduates, we have announced the Canada Emergency Student Benefit and the Canada Student Service Grant.
Support for businesses:
- To support the small businesses that are at the heart of rural economies, we have launched the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Many of those same businesses also rely on the Canada Summer Jobs program, which is why we have announced temporary changes to make it more flexible.
- The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) will be implemented by the six regional development agencies, and has two components:
- $675 million to support regional economies, businesses, organizations and communities in regions all across Canada;
- $287 million to support the national network of Community Futures Development Corporations, which will specifically target small businesses and rural communities across the country.
- Community Futures organizations play an instrumental role creating jobs in many small towns, taking a grassroots approach to economic development. Community Futures Pan West Network Inc., a joint initiative of the four western provincial Community Futures associations, supports 90 local organizations in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to help bolster business development services in rural areas.
Support for the food and agriculture industry:
Agriculture:
- Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry is a pillar of vitality in rural communities, providing one in eight jobs (2.3 million) in Canada and contributing over $140 billion to our GDP. A strong food supply is especially critical at this time, and we are investing to make sure farmers have the support they need.
- Attracting and retaining workers is vital for farms and rural communities across Canada.
- The Government of Canada is ensuring that necessary temporary foreign workers are allowed to travel to Canada and providing funding to help employers cover the costs of ensuring strict health protocols upon their arrival.
- To help farmers who are facing cash flow issues and processors impacted by lost sales need increased flexibility, and our government is helping them remain financially strong during this difficult time.
- Additional lending capacity for Farm Credit Canada will support the agriculture and fishing industries, as will loan repayment extensions for farmers, $100 million to strengthen food security for vulnerable Canadians, and $65 billion in direct lending through the new Business Credit Availability Program.
Fish and seafood:
- Canada's oceans, rivers and lakes are a source of approximately 300,000 jobs in Canada.
- Our fish and seafood sector, a critical economic driver in many coastal rural communities, is essential to our collective food security and our economy. In addition, many coastal communities depend on it for their own food and economic security. Indigenous peoples are particularly dependent on fisheries as a source of food for their families, income for their households, and revenues for their communities.
- The Government of Canada recognizes the need to ensure the resilience of Canada's food system, which includes supporting our fish and seafood processing sector, and the hard-working women and men in this industry.
- The new Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund will help Canada's fish and seafood processing sector.
- This investment will help ensure the resilience of the food system by allowing Canada's fish and seafood processing sector to safely and efficiently process, store, package, and distribute healthy, high-quality products, sourced from our fish harvesters and aquaculture operators, onto the plates of Canadians.
Bringing broadband to all communities:
- Canada's Connectivity Strategy, announced in June 2019, outlines the Government of Canada's plan to deliver up to $6 billion in investments to ensure that every Canadian has access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet no matter where they live. This includes the new $1 billion Universal Broadband Fund (UBF), as well as the $750 million CRTC Broadband Fund, and additional funding from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Infrastructure Canada, and other initiatives like improved access to spectrum frequencies for wireless services.
- The current COVID-19 crisis has reinforced the fact that high-speed Internet access is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity for all Canadians, no matter where they live. We know this is a very challenging time for all Canadians, especially those without reliable high-speed Internet as they try to work and communicate.
- We are engaged with Canada's telecommunications service providers to ensure that they can continue to provide the services upon which we all rely to stay connected and informed. These firms have also been on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, focusing on their existing networks and ensuring essential services remain available and capacity is maintained to meet increased demand. We are pleased that the telecommunications sector has responded swiftly and positively to the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain and improve network resiliency.
- In Budget 2019, the Government set a national target for 95% of Canadians to have access to high-speed Internet by 2026 and 100 per cent by 2030, wherever they are located in the country.
- We have already made good progress in laying the foundation to meet our commitment to connect all Canadians to high-speed Internet through recent programs like Connect to Innovate. Over 200 projects funded under this program are already underway and, once completed, will bring new or improved high-speed Internet access to over 975 rural and remote communities, including 190 Indigenous communities. These projects also have the potential to benefit up to 390,000 households across Canada.
Support for Indigenous communities:
- The Government of Canada is supporting First Nations and Inuit communities in preparing for, monitoring and responding to COVID-19. Visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Indigenous communities for a full list of support measures.