Connecting a Country: The Role of Broadband Policy in Canada

COVID-19 has radically changed the way many people live their day-to-day lives. As more people work, study, and spend time at home, having access to a stable internet connection has never been more important than it is today. While the majority of Canadians have this access, many, especially in rural areas, do not. Today, we’ll talk with two experts on the topic of broadband policy to help us better understand the history of broadband in Canada, the importance of broadband infrastructure, and what still needs to be done to ensure that all Canadians have access to a stable internet connection.

Josh Tabish is Public Affairs Manager at the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) in Ottawa. He is an innovator in civic engagement and an expert in digital policy. Josh began his career as the Campaigns Director for consumer advocacy group OpenMedia, where he led successful campaigns to safeguard net neutrality and have broadband internet declared a basic service in Canada. Prior to joining CIRA, he fought for the free and open internet with the digital rights group Fight for the Future in the U.S.

Dr. Andrew Clement is Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Information. Dr. Clement’s research and teaching interests are in the social implications of information/communications technology and human-centred systems development. Recent work focusses on public information policy for guiding the development of Canada’s information infrastructure, digitally mediated surveillance, internet use in everyday life, digital identity constructions, public participation in information/communication infrastructures development, and community networking. He has also written papers and co-edited books in such areas as: computer supported cooperative work; participatory design; workplace surveillance; privacy; women, work and computerization; end user computing; and the ‘information society’ more generally. Professor Clement continues in retirement to explore the social and public policy implications of the emerging information/communication infrastructure, and is working on identity, privacy and surveillance research as well as related public education initiatives.

Produced by:

Jessica Pan - Junior Producer

Natasha Laponce - Junior Producer

Erin Christensen - Executive Producer

Music:

“Risk” by Metric