Liberal backbench effort to update spectrum framework wins Conservative, Bloc support

Liberal MP Marianne Dandurand’s attempt to update Canada’s wireless framework appears to have near-unanimous support in the House of Commons, as Conservative and Bloc Québécois parliamentarians have endorsed the private member’s bill. Bill C-268, introduced by Dandurand (Compton–Stanstead, Que.) in March, would require the CRTC to verify cellular coverage data reported by telecommunication and providers, and also force the federal government to review Canada’s spectrum framework every five years. On May 5, the bill was debated for the first time at second reading, with opposition MPs applauding Dandurand’s initiative to close the country’s connectivity gap in rural areas. “Across the country, in rural and remote areas, connectivity is an ongoing huge challenge,” said Conservative MP Richard Bragdon (Tobique—Mactaquac, N.B.). “There’ll be times when I’m in the midst of a great conversation and enthralled and getting just to the highlight, and then I’m talking to myself!” Bragdon, the Tory shadow minister for rural development, said cell connection has become necessary for public safety and healthcare, particularly in rural parts of his western New Brunswick riding. “This bill is one of those steps that we can take… to help hold the providers accountable and bring transparency to it, we commend and we support those efforts,” he continued. Bragdon added that Conservatives will “offer our support” for Bill C-268, and he looks forward to seeing the proposed legislation referred to committee. Meanwhile, Bloc MP Gabriel Ste-Marie (Joliette—Manawan, Que.) described Dandurand’s bill as legislation that “doesn’t invent the wheel, but at least tries to get it rolling.” “This is an important bill… the idea is not revolutionary,” said Ste-Marie, the sovereigntist party’s critic for industry. “The bill aims to modernize spectrum management, because right now we’re still operating as if the Blackberry were the pinnacle of technology, and force the government to update its policy every five years.” Ste-Marie criticized the current state of coverage data in Canada, which he suggested was not representative of reality. “On paper, Canada is covered more or less everywhere,” he said. “Except where there are people, roads, or an accident on a stormy night.” He also said the five-year spectrum framework review was admirable, even if it didn’t force any changes and was needed more regularly. “Five years? In a world where your phone becomes obsolete before you’ve even finished reading what is written on the box?” asked Ste-Marie. Regardless, he continued, the Bloc “will be voting in favour” of Bill C-268, even if “it is the product of the member for Compton-Stanstead.” During the last election, Bloc candidate Nathalie Bresse finished runner-up in Compton-Stanstead to Dandurand, who succeeded former cabinet minister Marie-Claude Bibeau as the representative for the eastern Quebec riding. “It goes to show you… that anything is possible,” said Ste-Marie. Liberal MP Robert Morrissey (Egmont, P.E.I.), as well as Conservative MPs Branden Leslie (Portage—Lisgar, Man.) and Kurt Holman (London—Fanshawe, Ont.), also spoke out in support of the proposed bill on Tuesday evening. The NDP did not immediately respond to The Wire Report’s request for comment. Earlier this week, Dandurand said that C-268 also enjoyed support from the government, likely ensuring its eventual passage. dlegree@thewirereport.ca

Liberal backbench effort to update spectrum framework wins Conservative, Bloc support

Telecom |
By Davis Legree
|May 7, 2026

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Liberal backbench effort to update spectrum framework wins Conservative, Bloc support

Telecom | By Davis Legree |May 7, 2026

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