Hon. Dennis Glen Patterson: My question is for the Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications.

Senator Housakos, on February 7, the CBC announced their intention to become a digital-only format. While they have clarified that they are “not abandoning anyone who’s watching on traditional television or listening on traditional radio,” it still does raise for me, from a rural region, questions about the timing of making such an announcement now given the serious issues around broadband and connectivity throughout rural and remote Canada.

Senator Housakos, given your experience on this file, can you share with us whether or not you have any concerns with this announcement?