Consistent and affordable access to the Internet throughout the territory was a key issue raised at a digital issues roundtable co-hosted by the federal and territorial NDP on Tuesday evening.

Charmaine Borg, the NDP MP for Terrebonne-Blainville, Que., and the first NDP critic to hold digital issues as a single portfolio, co-hosted the discussion with Jim Tredger, the Yukon NDP MLA for Mayo-Tatchun.

As reported in Wednesday's Star, Borg was in town for the start of her Katimavik solidarity tour.

Issues such as fair and reasonably priced access to consistent Internet service were discussed, as was to be expected.

Many argued it's becoming necessary for full democratic participation as well as the ability to participate in the digital economy.

Particularly for those living in the communities, access issues inhibit digital literacy which can be a significant disadvantage in a world where it is becoming almost essential.

Concerns were also shared about Bill C-30, the controversial online surveillance bill brought in by the Conservatives.

It would permit police to gather identifying information about Internet users without a warrant if a risk of illegal activity was perceived.

After first reading, the bill was sent to a House of Commons committee, an unusual step, as bills are usually sent to committee after second reading.

Borg said she suspects the bill will be brought back in the fall, although she expects it will look a lot different.

She does think it will still include warrantless access to indentifying information.

By the fall, Borg hopes to complete the national digital strategy she's been working on, a key aspect of which will focus on the need for digital education and improved literacy.

This will ensure safe Internet use for young people, she said, hopefully reduce bullying and negative online behaviour by explaining the consequences and debunking myths of complete anonymity.

For older Canadians, education opportunities would allow them to experience the many benefits of the Internet, including access to the digital economy.

In an interview following the roundtable, Borg said she thought the event went really well.

"People had great input, great questions. You can tell people have a big question mark as to what to do with the Internet ... you can tell that accessibility and access is a huge issue here.”

In an interview Wednesday, Tredger said the discussions from the previous evening reflected what he's also been hearing in his riding.

"There's a real concern that people are being left behind, and more and more high-speed Internet access is becoming an essential service.”

Tredger noted that with federal cutbacks, many government services have moved online – a concern for rural residents who have limited Internet access.

On a similar note, Yukon NDP Leader Liz Hanson commented during Tuesday's session on the need for improved digital infrastructure.

She said it's impossible to grow the knowledge sector without what is becoming essential infrastructure.

Federal cuts to the CBC which have resulted in the recent loss of analog TV service in Whitehorse earlier than planned was also raised Tuesday evening, as was the pending loss of the network's AM radio service for Whitehorse area listeners.