Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services, and Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, have released the following statement on closing British Columbia’s digital divide:

British Columbia is taking important steps to strengthen B.C.’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) to deliver better, more inclusive services to people, businesses and public-sector organizations.

Whether travelling for overdue visits with family, long-awaited summer vacations or essential travel, waiting for the ferry is about to get more convenient for people as Wi-Fi service will soon be offered at 14 more BC Ferries terminals.

As it becomes safe for people to travel around the province again, investments in high-speed internet are giving local businesses in the tourism sector new ways to market themselves and rebound from the impacts of the pandemic.

Faster, more reliable internet is coming to people in 19 northern communities as record investments in connectivity help to position B.C. for a strong recovery from the economic impacts of the pandemic.

Cellular service is expanding along two B.C. highways, thanks to the Connecting British Columbia program’s record levels of investment in broadband and cellular infrastructure.