Liberal MP Dandurand’s mobile reporting bill clears committee

Liberal MP Marianne Dandurand’s legislative effort to improve mobile coverage maps across the country sailed through committee, as MPs agreed to report Bill C-268 back to the House of Commons without amendments. 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. The bill cleared second reading before Parliament’s summer hiatus and the House industry committee wrapped up its two-meeting study of the bill on Tuesday, when MPs questioned CRTC officials and completed clause-by-clause consideration. “From our point of view, it’s absolutely essential that Canadians have access to cell phone mobile services wherever they work or where they live,” said Sheehan Carter, a director general of strategic policy at the commission. “With better information, service providers and governments will also be able to determine where improvements are needed.” “We’ll continue to work with carriers to make sure they are looking at these gaps and taking the steps necessary.” The meeting came days after the CRTC released new cell coverage reporting standards for carriers intended to “provide Canadians with more accurate maps and details about mobile coverage,” which was well received by committee members. MPs also discussed various government- and commission-led incentives for wireless companies to extend coverage to areas that may not feature a clear business case, including Ottawa’s Universal Broadband Fund and the CRTC’s Broadband Fund, both of which are designed to help connect underserved communities. However, Conservative MP Harb Gill (Windsor West, Ont.) suggested the commission should also develop “negative incentives” to ensure companies comply with strengthened reporting obligations. “I think this is passing the buck to customers or victims who aren’t getting the service,” Gill told officials, referencing the ability for individuals to report insufficient coverage areas. “People have busy lives… why are we asking them to do the CRTC’s job?” Gill suggested the CRTC should consider revoking spectrum licences for non-compliant companies, though commission officials emphasized that Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is responsible for spectrum management. “Our role is to create those positive incentives, so that’s what we’re doing through those initiatives,” said Leila Wright, the regulator’s vice-president for telecommunications. In response, Gill said the CRTC’s current approach means that “nobody’s responsible.” “It comes down to accountability and responsibility,” he said. “What we’re seeking from you is transparency, and I don’t think we’re getting it.” Officials later stated they would "absolutely be holding the service providers to account,” without providing additional details. During clause-by-clause study, Conservative MP Jason Groleau (Beauce, Que.) proposed an amendment that would force Ottawa to conduct policy reviews every two years, instead of every five years. The change was proposed by Groleau’s Tory colleagues, as well as Bloc Québécois MP Gabriel Ste-Marie (Joliette—Manawan, Que.). However, Liberal MP Karim Bardeesy (Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, Ont.) worried the two-year requirement would create “too much of a burden for the department, public officials, and carriers.” As a result, the committee’s six Liberal MPs voted down the amendment. The rest of C-268 was approved on division, and committee chair Ben Carr (Winnipeg South Centre, Man.) was asked to bring the bill back to the House of Commons in short order. Next up, C-268 will face further examination at report stage and then third reading, before it is sent to the Senate for additional study. Earlier this year, Dandurand, who made a cameo at Tuesday’s committee meeting, expressed optimism for the bill to become law before Christmas. dlegree@thewirereport.ca

Liberal MP Dandurand’s mobile reporting bill clears committee

Telecom |
By Davis Legree
|October 6, 2026

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