Governments of Canada and British Columbia working together to connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2026 and 100% by 2030
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Lisa Beare, British Columbia's Minister of Citizens' Services, announced a historic partnership to invest up to $830 million to support projects that will improve access to high-speed Internet in rural, remote and Indigenous communities throughout British Columbia.
Under this plan, both levels of governments will contribute up to $415 million, for a total combined funding of $830 million to connect the entire province of British Columbia. British Columbia's funding will build on investments made to date and will include the $289 million announced in B.C.'s Budget 2022. Both governments of Canada and British Columbia will work with local communities, including Indigenous communities, to achieve the national target of connecting 98% of Canadians by 2026 and 100% by 2030. British Columbia's plan accelerates this work, with a provincial target of 100% of B.C. communities connected by 2027.
The governments of Canada and British Columbia recognize the important role access to high-speed Internet will have in economic recovery following the pandemic. Collaborating to provide better Internet services to British Columbians living in rural, remote and northern communities will contribute to the economic growth of the entire province.
