Canada’s Forest Sector Applauds Federal Action on Universal Access to High-Speed Internet

  |  
July 6, 2022

Last week, the federal government announced new rules which will govern the upcoming 3800 MHz spectrum auction, a move that will increase both the speed and availability of mobile and internet service across Canada.

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) applauds this decision which will provide remote and northern communities with essential wireless services.

In response to the announcement, FPAC President and CEO Derek Nighbor issued the following statement:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically shifted the way in which many of us work and live. It has also reminded us of the need for reliable digital networks to keep us connected to our family, friends, and jobs. In 2022, reliable wireless service is essential to life.

For forestry communities, it is essential to their economic future and the safety of residents and critical infrastructure.

Canada’s forestry workers and their families touch more than 600 communities across the country – most of which are in rural and northern parts. Canadians rely on us to produce a range of in-demand goods like wood for building construction, masks and gowns for the health care sector, packaging for food, and hygiene products like tissue and toilet paper. In the face of worsening geo-political uncertainty and challenged global supply chains, it has never been more valuable to be able to deliver for ourselves – by using Canadian grown and made products to provide for Canadians.

In our business, reliable internet access or cell coverage is an imperative that allows us to use basic technology to efficiently streamline operations, attract new workers and their families, keep people and operations safer in the face of worsening wildland fire patterns, and meet customer demands.  

With its announcement on Friday, the government has signaled its intent to ensure that all Canadians have reliable access to high-speed internet. The future of our northern and rural communities and their ability to attract people, investment, and grow depends on it.”

FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, paper, and wood-based bio-products producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. As an industry with annual revenues exceeding $75B, Canada’s forest products sector is one of the country’s largest employers operating in over 600 communities, providing 225,000 direct jobs, and over 600,000 indirect jobs across the country.

For more information contact:
Kerry Patterson-Baker
Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
kpatterson-baker@fpac.ca
(613) 563-1441 x 314
Follow FPAC on LinkedIn
Categories
No items found.
October 8, 2025
Forestry Can’t Be Left Behind in Canada–U.S. Trade Discussions
With over 200,000 direct jobs at stake, sector calls on the Government of Canada to bring the same urgency to lumber as it has to steel, aluminum, and energy.
Read This
October 1, 2025
Outstanding Achievements of Forest Sector Leaders Celebrated
National Forest Week punctuated by stories of rising stars, Indigenous leadership, and lifetime achievement
Read This
September 30, 2025
The Imposition of Additional U.S. Duties on Canadian Forestry Products Is Unjustified
Canadian Forest Product Sector responds to outcome of U.S. Section 232 investigation
Read This
September 29, 2025
Indigenous-owned Forestry Services Company Receives National Award
Dallan LP Awarded 2025 Indigenous Business Leadership Award in Forestry
Read This
September 21, 2020
Lisa Raitt Honoured As Community Champion By Canada's Forest Products Sector
Forest Products Association of Canada recognizes former minister Lisa Raitt's leadership in the forestry sector with Forestry Community Champion award
Read This
November 13, 2019
The Search for Canada's Greenest Workforce
Canada's forest industry is a top employer and global leader in sustainability, forest management, clean technology and innovation
Read This
February 20, 2019
Opinion | Workforce Diversity - Canada's Forest Sector Branches Out
Forest Products Association of Canada embraces diversity and encourages women and indigenous to join the forestry workforce
Read This
August 25, 2025
Green Dream Poem | Green Dream Internship 2025
Green Dream Poem | Green Dream Internship 2025
Read This
August 13, 2025
Finding Your Place as a Woman in Forestry | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
Finding Your Place as a Woman in Forestry | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
Read This
August 11, 2025
Beyond the Cutblock: What Cabin Owners Taught Me About Forestry | Green Dream Internship | Blog
Beyond the Cutblock: What Cabin Owners Taught Me About Forestry
Read This
August 8, 2025
Career Pathways and Development: How West Fraser Builds Careers from Within | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
Career Pathways and Development: How West Fraser Builds Careers from Within | Green Dream Internship 2025 | Blog
Read This
Related content currently unavailable for this article.