Reliable and affordable high-speed Internet is essential for all Canadians. It enables access to important online resources, connects friends and families, and drives economic growth and innovation.

“High-speed Internet isn’t a luxury; it’s essential and foundational infrastructure. For Canada’s rural, remote and northern communities, having a reliable connection can make all the difference in being able to access vital virtual health care, work online or just keep in touch with loved ones. That’s why we are committed to providing access to high-speed Internet to 100% of Canadian households by 2030. Today’s announcement in partnership with the Government of British Columbia is a tremendous milestone toward meeting that goal and ensuring that underserved communities across the province can get access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet.”
– The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development

“High-speed Internet is essential for people to learn, work, connect, access health care and grow their businesses, wherever they call home. Through strong partnerships with the federal government, we are helping more families, businesses and Indigenous communities across British Columbia access reliable high-speed connectivity and the opportunities that come with it."
– The Honourable Diana Gibson, British Columbia’s Minister of Citizens’ Services

“TELUS is proud to expand reliable high-speed Internet access to rural and Indigenous communities across the province through our continued partnership with the governments of Canada and British Columbia. This investment strengthens connectivity for these communities, essential to building a stronger Canada. It empowers residents and businesses to access education, health care and economic opportunities while participating fully in the digital economy. We’re committed to supporting communities to stay connected to what matters most and build stronger futures together.”

– Liz Wong, Vice-President National Network Planning at TELUS

“Connectivity is essential infrastructure that shapes economic resilience, public safety, education, health care access and long-term community sustainability. As a B.C.-based provider, CityWest is focused on building infrastructure that keeps communities connected while ensuring investment and decision making remain rooted in the regions we serve. Through partnerships with all levels of government, we are committed to expanding reliable fibre connectivity to rural, remote and Indigenous communities across British Columbia so residents, businesses and future generations have the tools they need to thrive.”
– Stefan Woloszyn, CEO of CityWest

• Canada’s Connectivity Strategy aims to provide all Canadians with access to Internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download / 10 Mbps upload.

• The Universal Broadband Fund is a $3.225 billion investment by the Government of Canada designed to help provide high-speed Internet access to 98% of Canadian households by the end of 2026 and achieve the national target of 100% access by 2030.

•  Today, 96.3% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet, compared to just 79% in 2014.

• In British Columbia, 96.5% of households currently have access to high-speed Internet.

• Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $579 million in connectivity projects in British Columbia.

• The Canada Infrastructure Bank has committed more than $2 billion toward broadband projects across Canada, allowing connectivity to expand at a quicker pace and larger scale.

• Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit individuals and gender diverse people are more likely to go missing or be murdered than non-Indigenous women. Better connectivity means more tools in moments of danger, enabling victims of violence to access critical online resources and get help when they need it most.

Associated links

• Rural economic development
• High-Speed Internet Access Dashboard
• Universal Broadband Fund
• Canada Infrastructure Bank: Digital Infrastructure and AI
• High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy
• National Broadband Map
• Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People
• Connectivity in B.C.
• Connecting Communities BC
• Rural B.C. Connectivity Benefits Study

Government of Canada

Connor Burton
Senior Communications and Issues Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State for Rural Development
connor.burton@ised-isde.gc.ca
343-549-8093

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

Government of British Columbia

Media Relations
Ministry of Citizens’ Services
250-507-3418

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