As threats to Canada’s sovereignty continue, we must respond with policies that increase our productivity and competitiveness. The promised “national infrastructure corridor,” which would accelerate critical nation-building projects at ports, railroads, inland terminals, airports, and highways, is a roadmap to Canadian excellence on the global stage.
To achieve that vision, digital infrastructure—which includes the telecommunication connections to homes and “backbone” networks that traverse the country, knitting together communities—is absolutely critical. By co-locating digital infrastructure alongside traditional projects, we can create a truly modern and efficient national corridor that serves multiple purposes while maximizing the impact of our investments. It’s an opportunity to transform Canada’s economy and become more independent than ever, protecting our sovereignty in the process.
The key to economic growth and independence
The potential for digital infrastructure to drive economic growth cannot be overstated. A study by the OECD shows that for every 10 percent expansion in digital infrastructure, we see up to a 2.8 percent lift in GDP. In fact, a study by the Centre for the Study of Living Standards (CSLS) found that broadband adoption contributed to nearly 20 percent of Canada’s labour productivity growth between 2009 and 2019. This impact is even greater in Canada than in the U.S., where broadband internet accounted for about 13 percent in the same period. This highlights the unique opportunity we have to leverage digital infrastructure for national growth. We’re not just talking about a marginal gain, but a game-changer for our economy.
Importantly, Canada stands as a world leader in broadband connectivity—a fact that should make all Canadians proud. According to the OECD, Canada consistently ranks among the top countries for broadband access and quality. According to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, 93.5 percent of households have access to high-speed internet, and some of the fastest rural connectivity in the world. This strong digital foundation is the bedrock upon which we can build an even more competitive and sovereign future, ensuring all Canadians—no matter where they live—can thrive in the digital economy.
By building robust digital networks within Canada, we can ensure that our data and digital traffic remain within our borders, reducing dependence on foreign routes, thereby enhancing our digital sovereignty. To be clear: we can build critical, resilient networks that never cross into the United States.
There are many projects that could advance quickly with these rights-of-way and with funding, including bringing a third redundant fibre backbone to Canada. Right now, Canada has two major fibre backbones, with a third running through the United States. We can build a third line by partnering with the federal government to overcome the treacherous geography that currently requires running this backbone through the United States.
We also have an opportunity to assert our Arctic sovereignty by building a fibre backbone running through the Northwest Passage. A Canadian presence in the Northwest Passage will become all the more important as the climate warms, making this passage even more accessible. Not only would this backbone enhance our Arctic sovereignty, it would connect Europe, North America, and Asia to Canada with a low-latency connection, and could also support military installations in the North. The private sector has the enthusiasm to build such a line; Canada can bridge the gap in funding to make this a reality.
Finally, there is an opportunity to work with satellite companies to make sure they, to the greatest extent possible, use Canadian infrastructure when connecting Canadians. In this fashion, we can assert our sovereignty and protect Canadian data.
The path forward
As we look to the future, we must recognize that digital infrastructure is not just an add-on to our national infrastructure corridors—it’s a fundamental component. By investing in robust, coast-to-coast digital networks alongside traditional infrastructure, we can unlock new levels of productivity, innovation, and economic growth.
In this new reality where a trade war colours all decisions, the choice is clear: we can continue with business as usual, or we can seize this opportunity to build a digital infrastructure for Canada that will serve as the foundation for our future prosperity. Let’s ensure that nation-building projects, like infrastructure corridors, are truly fit for the 21st century by prioritizing digital infrastructure as core to a nation-building strategy. We can build the infrastructure needed tomorrow, today.
It’s time to make Canada a leader in the global digital economy. In the face of unprecedented global challenges and opportunities, our digital future—and our national competitiveness and independence—depend on it.
BCE is a member of The Hub’s Corporate and Industry Council.
