Fiber Broadband Association Launches Canadian Working Group

Fiber Broadband Association Launches Canadian Working Group 

The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) is proud to announce the formation of its new Canadian Working Group, designed to unite FBA members located in Canada and companies with operations or business interests in the country. This initiative aims to deliver valuable resources, foster research, produce consistent thought leadership, and create meaningful networking opportunities—all while strengthening member connections and partnerships across the region. 

The Canadian Working Group, currently over 80 members strong, will be led by a trio of seasoned industry professionals serving as co-chairs: 

• Justin Cameron, National Director – Broadband, Rexel 

• Ian Oliver, Technology and Product Consultant, Globema 

 

• Robert Petruk, Senior Global Product Manager, Dura-Line 

 

Supporting the group are Mark Boxer (Board Liaison, Lightera), and FBA staff liaisons Trish Ehlers, VP of Operations, and Jennifer Vassil, VP of Membership. 

Current member priorities include streamlining permitting and private locating processes to accelerate construction timelines, adapting existing U.S. FBA research to better align with the Canadian market, and addressing workforce development needs across the country.  “The Fiber Broadband Association has always operated as a North American organization,” said Jennifer Vassil of FBA. “This new working group allows us to focus more intentionally on the unique capabilities and needs of the Canadian marketplace—something we’re truly excited about.” 

“The Fiber Broadband Association has the infrastructure—dedicated staff, strategic partners, robust resources, and effective tools—along with strong member support to unite ISPs, First Nations, build partners, and the broader broadband ecosystem,” said Trish Ehlers of FBA. “We are excited about the collaboration ahead and the valuable outcomes that will emerge from our members’ active engagement, both virtually and in person.” 

FBA will host a Regional Fiber Connect event in Toronto on August 19, 2025, centered on the economics of fiber networks. Attendees will explore the costs, benefits, and financial strategies driving fiber growth. The Canadian Working Group will also hold an in-person meeting on August 18, 2025, to review survey results, examine existing Canadian research, and establish strategic priorities for the group. 

If you’re an FBA member based in Canada or conducting business in the region and would like to participate in the Canadian Working Group, please reach out to: 

• Trish Ehlers – tehlers@fiberbroadband.org
  Vice President, Operations 
• Jennifer Vassil – jvassil@fiberbroadband.org
  Vice President, Membership