B.C. government promises high-speed internet for all residents by 2027
CTV
The British Columbia government says an $830-million investment will provide high-speed internet access to every part of the province by 2027.
Citizens' Services Minister Lisa Beare announced the five-year commitment Tuesday, saying roughly 115,000 households in rural, remote and Indigenous communities in B.C. still do not have the same high-speed digital access as urban centres.
The $830-million cost will be shared equally by the provincial and federal governments.
"This joint record investment of $830 million between the federal and provincial governments means many First Nations communities will have high-speed internet access for the first time – advancing true, lasting and meaningful reconciliation and self-determination," Beare said in a joint statement with B.C. Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon.
The ministers described the announcement as "years in the making" and a key part of the province's long-term economic plan.
"The StrongerBC Economic Plan addresses two long-standing challenges: inequality and climate change, and this action will ensure businesses throughout B.C. have equal opportunity to participate in the economy," said Beare and Kahlon.
"Connectivity provides a life-changing opportunity to connect more people and businesses with the services and supports they need to succeed and compete in a global economy."
The ministers added that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of connectivity for well-being and economic growth.
"By giving everyone access to high-speed internet, we will level the playing field for more British Columbians, providing better access to jobs, education, training, health care, and so much more," they said.
A fire broke out early Tuesday morning at a home on Whitcombe Way in Morriston.
Monday was the final day on the job site for many Algoma Steel employees. Hundreds of Algoma employees worked their final shift in the last four days, part of the 1,000 job cuts announced late last year.
Londoners will be waking up to some sunshine Tuesday morning, but it will be quite brisk.
A snowy weather system has closed some schools and disrupted ferry crossings in Nova Scotia.
Celebrity food critic Keith Lee said he might have had the 'best pho' of his life at a family-run Vietnamese restaurant in Toronto.
A federal union is calling on the federal government to follow the advice of the world’s energy watchdog and allow public servants to work from home. as gas prices sit at the highest level in two years.
Agricultural land prices in Canada continued to climb last year, but some regions saw more of an increase than others, says a new report by Farm Credit Canada.
Recordings captured the moments before the crash, when one controller could be heard granting permission to the fire truck to cross the runway, before he urged the vehicle to stop, but it was too late to avoid the collision, which claimed the lives of both pilots on board.
A Gatineau, Que. man is heartbroken and calling for change after a horrifying attack at a dog daycare and boarding facility last week left his beloved golden retriever dead.
The Greater Victoria School District (SD61) is proposing several cuts as it stares down a $1.6 million budget deficit.
The Government of Saskatchewan is clarifying that no school projects have been cancelled because of its recent budget – following accusations from the Official Opposition.
Another overpass has been hit in Saskatoon, prompting renewed questions about why multiple strikes have occurred this month, and what to do about it.
A man charged in the 2007 killing of a Manitoba Métis woman described as “extremely vulnerable” has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.