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Governments of Canada and British Columbia working together to bring high-speed Internet to more than 7,500 householdsFederal and provincial governments announce details of 14 projects CHEMAINUS, BC, March 4, 2024 /CNW/ - All Canadians need reliable and affordable high-speed Internet and mobile connectivity, no matter where they live. The governments of Canada and British Columbia are taking action to improve connectivity for underserved communities. Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, together with the Honourable George Chow, British Columbia's Minister of Citizens' Services, announced more than $37 million in federal and provincial funding for 14 projects to bring high-speed Internet access to communities across British Columbia. Over 7,500 households will have access to high-speed Internet, of which 1,320 are Indigenous. One project will also provide mobile service to an underserved roadway through Nisga'a Nation lands. The funding recipients are the Nisga'a Lisims Government, TELUS, Ktunaxa Nation (FlexiNET), CityWest Cable & Telephone Corp., and Kaslo infoNET Society. The federal and provincial funding commitments made today are part of an existing agreement between the governments of Canada and British Columbia. In March 2022, both governments announced a historic partnership to invest up to $830 million to connect households in all remaining rural, remote and Indigenous communities throughout the province to high-speed Internet. These projects build on the Government of Canada's progress toward ensuring that 98% of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100% by 2030, and to improve mobile connectivity across the country. On track to exceed its 2026 target, the federal government will continue to make investments in infrastructure to build strong communities and a more competitive and resilient Canada for everyone. Quotes "Connectivity is an essential tool to access education and health care and to grow a business. It also improves safety and provides peace of mind. Your government has made a historic commitment to connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2026. These investments will provide reliable high-speed Internet access to more than 7,500 underserved homes in communities across British Columbia." "By increasing access to high-speed Internet, we are building strong, resilient communities in B.C. where people can thrive. The funding announced today means people in rural and remote areas of the province are able to fully participate in the digital economy and access online resources. We are committed to providing every underserved community with high-speed Internet access by 2027, so everyone can benefit from a stronger, more connected B.C."
– Stefan Woloszyn, CEO of CityWest Cable & Telephone Corp. "This is not just a story about Internet connectivity; this is a story about our ability as a self-governing nation to create partnerships to improve the lives of Nisga'a citizens and advance our economy on Nisga'a Lands. Our investments in the Lisims network will enable us to determine our own success and increase the ability of our people, our businesses and our youth to fully participate and thrive in our increasingly digital world." "As a community non-profit, Kaslo infoNet Society (KiN) has direct experience with the impact connectivity can have in small, rural communities. We've seen first-hand how access to high-speed Internet can transform lives, enabling local businesses to thrive, students to learn without boundaries, and health care services to be delivered more efficiently. This generous funding acknowledges the crucial role of connectivity in levelling the playing field for rural areas, and we are both excited and grateful for the opportunity. Through this investment, KiN is committed to enhancing digital access and ensuring that our community not only stays connected but also moves forward together in today's increasingly digital world." "TELUS is committed to ensuring that all British Columbians have access to reliable, high-speed Internet to thrive in today's digital world. We are proud to partner with the Government of Canada to bring our world-leading PureFibre network to more rural and Indigenous communities to ensure everyone here can connect to the people and information that matter most to them. This well-needed gigabit connectivity will enable these communities to participate globally to enable better economic, educational, health and social outcomes." Quick facts
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