Federation of Canadian Municipalities Advocacy on Digital Affordability - by Councillor Paul Ainslie, seconded by Councillor Brad Bradford

On May 27, 2021, the Canada Radio-television Telecommunications Commission made a decision on wholesale access and rates. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry has committed to reviewing this decision and its implications to ensure they align with ministry policy priorities of affordability, competition and innovation in the sector. Broadband affordability is a key objective for Toronto and other local governments with many (rural and urban) leading initiatives that seek to improve services for their residents. Municipalities also participate in federal and Canada Radio-television Telecommunications Commission processes as changes to national policies and regulations are also necessary to achieve municipal objectives on broadband affordability. This Motion seeks to send City Council's decision to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for them to consider, including at their September 2021 Board Meeting, the Canada Radio-television Telecommunications Commission's May 27, 2021 ruling and its impact on broadband affordability. The Motion is urgent as Federation of Canadian Municipalities requires a formal motion by July 12, 2021. Advocacy by Federation of Canadian Municipalities can add further support to the City's request and help inform future Federation of Canadian Municipalities policies and advocacy on digital connectivity.

wireless affordability, including mechanisms in place for telecommunication companies to implement data rollover for account holders at the end of their billing cycles.