Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

My name is Bernard Lord and I am the president and CEO of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association. I'm here today with Kurt Eby who is the director of government relations and regulatory affairs with the CWTA.

As the voice of the wireless sector in Canada the CWTA represents wireless service providers as well as companies that develop and produce products and services for the industry, including handsets, equipment manufacturers, content providers, and app makers. I'm pleased to be here today to participate in the work of the standing committee's study of Safety Code 6.

Let me state from the outset that the wireless sector in Canada does not set or impose standards or guidelines. Safety Code 6 is enforced through Industry Canada as the standards are set in Canada, and that standard is set by Health Canada and the wireless sector in Canada fully complies. The wireless sector will continue to be responsible in adhering to the science-based safety standards enforced by the Government of Canada and set by the Government of Canada.

We commend the committee for the science-based review you're conducting today.

The wireless sector, in Canada as well as around the world, is committed to a completely open process in the study of health and safety issues related to wireless technologies.

Studies of the health effects of EMFs have been ongoing for decades and will probably continue for a while to come. The overwhelming evidence of the credible scientific community, as determined and published in studies worldwide, continues to support the conclusion that there is no demonstrated public health risk associated with the use of wireless technology.

In fact, when we look at the way that Canadians use wireless technology we can safely state that wireless technology makes our communities safer. Canadians are among the heaviest users of wireless technology in the world. We enjoy some of the fastest, most robust networks anywhere you can find. It helps us stay connected with family and friends. It helps businesses be more productive, and we know that in times of emergency wireless technology is extremely important. An overwhelming majority of 911 calls made in our communities come from wireless devices. We also know that close to 75% of families—especially those under 35—don't have a traditional landline, and in fact, use wireless only.

Government agencies responsible for establishing safe limits for signal levels of wireless devices also support that wireless technologies are safe and are not a health risk. The signal levels from all wireless devices and networks are well below the safety limits established by Health Canada and other international governmental departments.

When exposures remain below the safety limits set by science-based EMF exposure standards, including Health Canada's Safety Code 6, no adverse effects have been proven through credible scientific evidence. The sector has always supported scientific research into this topic and fully supports any ongoing research that is deemed necessary by the respected scientific community. Just the same, the sector has always adhered to the science-based safety standards set by the Government of Canada and will continue to do so in the future.

I really thank you for the opportunity to be here today. I thought I'd keep my remarks brief and I'll be very happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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