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Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to highlight the significant strides we have made in advocating for better telecommunications services in the Northwest Territories. Our work with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, has led to transformative changes that will benefit all residents of the Northwest Territories.
On January 16, 2025, the CRTC announced a groundbreaking decision to introduce a universal subsidy for internet services in the North. This decision marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards digital equity, ensuring that every household in the Northwest Territories can access affordable internet services. This subsidy will ultimately help bridge the gap between the high cost of internet in the Northwest Territories and the more affordable rates enjoyed by our southern counterparts.
The Government of the Northwest Territories has been a steadfast advocate for this change and our participation in the CRTC’s proceedings has been instrumental in shaping this outcome. This subsidy will alleviate some of the financial burden on our residents and promote greater access to essential online services, education, and economic opportunities.
The GNWT advocacy work also contributed to Northwestel joining the Federal Connecting Families program in the fall of 2023. Through this initiative, 1,870 households in the Northwest Territories have the opportunity to access highspeed broadband internet services for $20 per month. This program is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every family, regardless of their financial situation, can stay connected.
Mr. Speaker on February 13, 2025 I met with Ms. Nirmala Naidoo, the CRTC Commissioner for NWT and Alberta, and Ms. Joanne T. Levy, the CRTC Commissioner for Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and commended their recent decisions to improve the quality and reliability of internet services in the North and to hold service providers accountable for their services.
Furthermore, the CRTC has mandated improvements to Northwestel’s Wholesale Connect service, which are meant to enhance competition and consumer choice in the North.
Mr. Speaker, I am also proud to highlight that our CRTC advocacy has also furthered our commitment to Indigenous Reconciliation. The CRTC’s recent policy decisions include measures to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, such as establishing a new Indigenous Relations Team, dedicated to ensuring that the needs and perspectives of Indigenous communities are reflected in all its work. This team will facilitate better engagement with Indigenous peoples and support their participation in CRTC proceedings.
Additionally, the CRTC has improved the Broadband Fund to include an Indigenous funding stream, specifically designed to support Indigenous-owned Internet Service Providers in developing telecommunications infrastructure. These initiatives will promote digital equity, decrease the digital divide, and advance economic reconciliation by enabling Indigenous communities to build and manage their own telecommunications services.
Mr. Speaker, these achievements are the result of dedicated efforts by the GNWT, Indigenous and regional governments, northern businesses, advocacy groups, and private citizens. We have worked to advocate for the needs of our residents, and these recent announcements are a testament to the power of collaboration and persistence.
The GNWT will continue to participate in the CRTC’s proceedings to ensure that the implementation of the retail internet subsidy is effective and equitable. We will provide feedback on subscriber eligibility, the amount of the subsidy, and the disbursement process to ensure that the subsidy reaches those who need it most.
In closing, I want to express my gratitude to the CRTC for their commitment to improving telecommunications in the Northwest Territories. Together, we are making significant strides towards a more connected and equitable future for all residents of the Northwest Territories.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.