Minister of Rural Economic Development, the Honorable Gudie Hutchings, in collaboration with British Columbia's Minister of Citizens' Services, the Honorable Lisa Beare, unveiled a joint federal and provincial investment exceeding $2.6 million.
This funding will empower the Trout Lake BC Internet Society and the Village of Granisle to extend high-speed Internet connectivity to over 400 households in rural communities across British Columbia.
"We all know that Internet is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. That's why our government made a historic commitment to connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2026,” stated Honorable Hutchings.
In March 2022, both governments announced a broadband 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.
"Our commitment to connect every rural, remote and Indigenous community in B.C. by 2027 will ensure the benefits of high-speed Internet are shared by everyone in B.C. This investment makes it possible for these people to stay in the communities they love while having access to services, resources, employment and education and being able to stay connected online,” added Honorable Beare.
This latest initiative further reinforces the Government of Canada's ongoing efforts to achieve its goal of providing high-speed Internet access to 98% of Canadians by 2026 and extending that coverage to 100% by 2030.
As of the time of writing, 93.5% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet, compared to just 79% in 2014.
