Whereas reliable, accessible high speed internet access has been determined as essential for a basic quality of life in our society; And whereas internet access can be unreliable or inaccessible for citizens confined to a health care facility which often leaves them disconnected from their loved ones and their community: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM should advocate for the provincial government to ensure that all communities in BC be provided with reasonable, reliable and accessible high speed internet access, including for patients who wish to remain connected with their loved ones and community when confined to health care facilities across the province.
Ministry of Citizens Services Access to reliable high-speed internet and cellular connectivity is more important than ever before. Internet access is a vital part of our daily lives from health, education and public safety to being foundational for economic growth and recovery and reconciliation with First Nations. While most British Columbians live in urban centres where internet coverage is well established, many smaller, less densely populated rural and Indigenous communities, that are major contributors to our economy and food production, do not have access to basic high-speed internet as defined by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission CRTC. The BC Government works to expand connectivity for rural and First Nations communities through funding programs such as the Connecting British Columbia program and the new program, Connecting Communities BC, which will open in the summer of 2022. On March 8, 2022, the Governments of British Columbia and Canada announced a partnership to invest up to 830 million to support connectivity infrastructure projects. This funding will support connecting the remaining underserved rural and First Nations communities in the province. Connecting all First Nations communities is a commitment in Action 4.36 in the Declaration Act Action Plan. The goal for this funding is to support the expansion of high-speed internet services to all households by 2027. This will ensure reliable and robust high-speed internet services are available to British Columbians in all areas of the province to support access to online healthcare, as well as other essential services. Links: Connecting British Columbia program: https:www.northerndevelopment.bc.cafunding-programspartner-programsconn… Partnership to invest up to 830 million: https:www.canada.caeninnovation-science-economic-developmentnews202203b…