North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney was in Mission, BC, on March 8 for a joint federal and provincial government announcement of $830 million in funding to connect rural households in BC to high-speed internet.
According to a media release from Blaney, the announcement aims to get 98 per cent of households connected by 2026 and the remaining two per cent by 2030.
As NDP critic for rural economic development, Blaney was invited to participate in the announcement by minister for rural economic development Gudie Hutchings.
Blaney stated that she has heard from constituents about connectivity challenges throughout her time as MP and has pushed the federal government to come to the table to bring all rural communities up to modern internet standards. She raised the issue again in her first meeting with Hutchings when they took on their respective roles in 2021, according to the release.
Blaney stated this is a critical piece to support economic development of rural and remote communities.
“Especially through the pandemic, more and more activity has been moving online, from school to meetings and work, and even social activities, and many of our communities have not had equal access and quality,” added Blaney. “The move to more remote work has also created great opportunities for many of our communities, but we can’t take advantage of them if we don’t have professional connection speeds.
“I’m really pleased for this announcement and I look forward to working further with minister Hutchings to ensure all our communities are able to get connected as soon as possible.”
This agreement was announced by Hutchings, along with BC minister of citizens’ services Lisa Beare.
“I’m happy to have invited MP Rachel Blaney here today,” stated Hutchings. “She has worked tirelessly with me to bring connectivity to rural and remote communities.”
