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.
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 $16 million in federal and provincial funding for eight CityWest projects. Over 4,100 households will have access to high-speed Internet, of which 340 are Indigenous.
The funding will bring last-mile fibre-optic services to Mackenzie, Cluculz Lake, rural Fort St. James and Nak'azdli Whut'en 1, rural Burns Lake to Tchesinkut Lake, Hartley Bay, Mitchell Bay and Sointula on Malcolm Island, Alert Bay and the 'Na̱mgis First Nation, and Savary Island.
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.”
– The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“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.”
– The Honourable George Chow, British Columbia’s Minister of Citizens’ Services
“Today’s announcement sets the stage to bring improved connectivity to more underserved communities across the province. CityWest’s fibre-to-the-home projects will bring these residents and businesses urban-class connectivity, creating equal opportunities for more rural, remote and Indigenous British Columbians. We would like to express our thanks to the Province of B.C. and the federal government for their vision on ensuring that these communities are able to unlock their connectivity destiny.”
– Stefan Woloszyn, CEO of CityWest Cable & Telephone Corp.