A $2.14-billion federal loan for an Ottawa-based satellite operator has Canadian politicians arguing about whether American billionaire Elon Musk poses a national security risk.
The fight involves internet connectivity in remote regions as Canada tries to live up to its promise to connect every Canadian household to high-speed internet by 2030.
A week ago, the Liberal government announced the loan to Telesat, which is launching a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites that will be able to connect the most remote areas of the country to broadband internet.
Conservative MP Michael Barrett objected to the price tag, asking Musk in a social media post how much it would cost to provide his Starlink to every Canadian household that does not have high-speed access.
You…you did, you’re entire argument hinges on “fuck those people, they shouldn’t live outside a city”…
No it’s they shouldn’t expect the same services as even small towns. These are thousand person affairs on or above the Arctic Circle.
Dude, people in small towns are having to use starlink. The fuck are you talking about…my fucking god I cannot believe I’m arguing with someone who thinks basic services shouldn’t be provided for their citizens.