I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Métis and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.
Let me start by thanking Finland for hosting us here so very warmly in Rovaniemi. Canadians will always feel very much at home in a hockey rink. And I want to thank you very much, Timo [Soini, Finland’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs], and your entire team for the excellent work you’ve done chairing the Arctic Council for the past two years. And let me start by saying that Canada is very pleased to support the excellent chairman statement.
| Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
| speeches
We are pleased to support the Committee’s important work on shaping the future of Canada’s media industries. As Committee members appreciate, the CRTC is an independent tribunal that monitors and oversees the communications industry in pursuit of the policy objectives set out in the Broadcasting Act and the Telecommunications Act, among others.
| Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
| speeches
I appreciate this chance to bring you up-to-date information on recent CRTC activities. I’ll talk briefly about our Broadband Fund, as well as other decisions and proceedings that will have a direct bearing on your businesses and Canada’s telecommunications industry. A sector that is now foundational to almost every aspect of Canadians’ lives.