Improve cellular network in Saint‑Martin
Petitioners ask the MP to secure concrete cellular-network improvements in Saint‑Martin (Beauce) by working with telecom providers and authorities and designating coverage upgrades a regional priority. The government responds that it is funding and regulating coverage improvements, enhancing CRTC reporting, and supporting satellite options.
Why we would sign this petition
- Improved cellular coverage would help residents and visitors make calls and reliably contact emergency services in areas currently weak or without service.
- Better mobile service would support families, workers and local businesses, enhancing daily life and economic activity in the municipality.
- Asking the MP to coordinate with providers and authorities could focus attention and mobilize regional funding or infrastructure efforts.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Upgrades may be costly and compete with other regional priorities, requiring difficult funding or resource choices.
- Technical or geographic limits and provider timelines mean improvements could take long or not fully resolve coverage gaps.
- Existing federal or provincial connectivity programs may be better leveraged than a new, locally led push, making duplication inefficient.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Member of Parliament for Beauce PETITION - Improvement of the cellular network in Saint-Martin (Beauce) We, the residents of the Municipality of Saint-Martin, in Beauce, wish to denounce the persistent failure of the cellular network in our region. In several areas of Saint-Martin, cellular service is weak, unstable or entirely unavailable, which prevents residents from: making or receiving telephone calls; reliably contacting emergency services (911); allowing families, workers and businesses to function normally. This situation is a serious public safety concern and has a direct impact on the quality of life of residents. We therefore request the intervention of our member of Parliament to ensure that concrete steps are taken with telecommunications providers and relevant authorities and that the improvement of the cellular network in Saint-Martin (Beauce) is treated as a regional priority.
Government response
Response by the Secretary of State (Rural Development) Signed by The Honourable Buckley Belanger The Government of Canada knows that now more than ever, Canadians rely on telecommunications services for work, school, finances, health care, and staying connected. In particular, the Government recognizes the importance of mobile connectivity to public safety and emergency services, consumer protection, and economic growth. In 2019, the Government released High-Speed Access for All: Canada's Connectivity Strategy, which committed to connecting all Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2030 and to improving mobile wireless coverage where Canadians live and work, and along underserved roads. The Government is investing directly and using its regulatory powers to achieve these goals. For example, the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) is a key initiative under the Strategy and provides a total of $3.225 billion to support connectivity in underserved rural and remote communities. This includes up to $50 million for mobile Internet projects, including projects along highways and roads where mobile connectivity is lacking. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) also has a Broadband Fund, sourced through an industry levy, to support connectivity projects, and has included funding for mobile wireless networks in underserved communities and along major transportation roads. Together, these programs have announced approximately $80 million in contributions towards cellular projects, which is expected to improve coverage along approximately 1,700 kilometers of road. This includes nearly $30 million to expand coverage to more than 370 kilometres of roads and highways in Quebec. These measures are complemented by the Government of Quebec’s cellular connectivity program and other provincial investments. In partnership with provinces and territories, the Government of Canada will continue to pursue opportunities to identify gaps and improve cell coverage across Canada. Expanding cellular coverage through satellite connections is also a rapidly advancing development. In February 2025, Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) published a framework outlining the rules for deploying cellular services that provide mobile connectivity using satellites. This promising technology allows mainstream devices, such as smartphones, to receive service outside of the tower coverage footprint via satellite. This service is currently available on select compatible devices through partnerships between service providers and satellite operators, and supports intermittent texting and select applications. Canada was one of first countries to have this service available and more providers have recently announced plans to offer it to their customers. As this technology develops, more robust services and applications are expected to become available. The Government is also taking action to improve the quality of mobile coverage data. In 2023, the Government issued a binding policy direction to the CRTC, which included a direction for it to develop and implement a standardized and robust approach for reporting mobile coverage. The CRTC has been progressively implementing the policy direction by translating it into their detailed rules. On January 15, 2026, the CRTC launched a public proceeding to develop a standardized, evidence-based methodology to improve mobile coverage data collection in its Annual Facilities Survey. Data from the survey is used to produce coverage statistics and maps that show mobile and broadband coverage, such as ISED’s National Broadband Map. This initiative responds to persistent public concerns about gaps in mobile coverage. Improved reporting standards are intended to support better identification of coverage gaps, help in policy and funding decisions, and strengthen coordination. The CRTC had a call for comments on the development of the proposed mobile reporting standard that closed March 16, 2026, with reply comments due by April 15, 2026. The Government looks forward to continuing to engage with Canadians and all levels of government to promote access to high-quality and reliable mobile services across the country.