Local Government Involvement in Broadband Improvement Projects

Whereas local governments are the level of government which are closest to the communities they serve and are which best understands local needs, knowledge, and opportunities of these communities; And whereas the current framework for planning, funding, implementing, and announcing broadband improvement projects excludes local governments at every stage beyond the funding application phase, particularly as projects are implemented, resulting in disconnection between projects being supported and projects being delivered: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the BC Ministry of Citizens Services and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to include local governments at all stages of every internet and broadband improvement project and funding application to provide effective means of keeping local elected officials informed and providing an avenue for local knowledge to be incorporated.