[Advisors] Broadband in the BC Government Budget

[Garth Graham]

The BC Government’s recently tabled budget mentions broadband in four places.  But it does so in the classical digital divide context of rural and remote access to technologies.  That leaves no room to negotiate for support of community and municipal networks that address the uses of those technologies in alleviating social disadvantage.

References to broadband in:Stronger BC for Everyone: BUDGET AND FISCAL PLAN - 2021/22 to 2023/24. https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2021/pdf/2021_Budget%20and%20Fiscal%20Plan.pdf

Preparing for Recovery The plan also provides $147 million over three years for new investments in communities by improving broadband and cellular connectivity for rural and remote communities, enhancing campgrounds and recreational trails, and investing in community infrastructure and programs to mark the 150th anniversary of B.C.’s entry into the confederation. (p.3).

Investing in Communities. Connectivity.  The pandemic has highlighted the importance of technology and how it supports people, businesses and communities in their work, to access services and to stay connected. Historically, there has been no stable funding to improve or expand broadband and cellular access to all British Columbians. Building on the Province’s recent one-time investments of $140 million, Budget 2021 establishes stable base funding of $40 million over the plan to further invest in the Province’s connectivity strategy. Providing reliable high-speed broadband to rural, remote and Indigenous communities supports a more inclusive society, improves access to health care and education and helps unlocks opportunities for businesses to better reach and access local, regional and global markets. (p. 26).

Investing in Infrastructure to Support Recovery Budget 2021 builds on community infrastructure investments by providing $147 million in new funding over the fiscal plan. This includes supports to further improve broadband and cellular access in rural, remote and Indigenous communities to better enable people to access essential services and work. (p.28).

A Collaborative Approach to Address COVID-19 Through Partnership with the Federal Government.  As the province looks ahead, there is an ongoing need for targeted federal investments to help B.C. to build back better; such investments
are needed to support infrastructure projects, expand broadband and cellular access, increase skills training to help people get back in the workforce and increase access to child-care which is essential to our recovery. British Columbia joins other provinces and territories in requesting that a meaningful portion of federal stimulus funding be earmarked for key provincial priorities to recognize the important role provinces and territories are playing in fostering economic growth. (p.45).