The RM of Portage la Prairie's deputy-reeve was part of the recent Federation of Canadian Municipalities convention in Ottawa.

Roy Tufford believes it's important someone from Council attends, because RM's from across the country have similar concerns.

"We're not the only ones with cell phone reception and broadband service that's not complete yet," he says, "That happens in a lot of municipalities around Canada, and it's one of their (FCM) big issues. The other big issue is infrastructure. They want to be able to access the new infrastructure money equally, on and equitable basis, with the large centres."

Tufford says the convention provided several opportunities.

"We got to see keynote speakers," he says, "Leaders of the federal parties all came and spoke -- lots of stuff going on there. And you get to meet, and network, with councillors from all over Canada."