Dear Executive Director Holliss, Parliamentary Secretary Samson and Assistant Deputy Minister
Stanford,
Subject: Accessible and Affordable Internet Connectivity
At the British Columbia School Trustees Association’s 2024 annual general meeting, our
members, representing all 60 boards of education in B.C., passed the following resolution:
“That the BCSTA requests an update from the Federal and Provincial Governments on
the status of the expansion of internet connectivity in the province.”
BCSTA has long advocated for reliable and affordable internet for all communities in B.C. and
has raised this concern previously in 2018 and 2021. It remains critical that all levels of
government take continued action to ensure every student has access to consistent internet
connectivity to meet their education goals without hindrance.
Most recently, in 2021, BCSTA took a leading role in a national initiative led by the Canadian
School Boards Association (CSBA) to call for increased connectivity across Canada. At that
time, meetings with members of Parliament occurred to highlight the significant educational and
economic benefits of improved connectivity, and we have since seen significant investments
made by the Connected Coast project and Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation. While a
foundation for a connected B.C. has formed, gaps in high-speed internet connectivity remain
across B.C.
These remaining connectivity gaps continue to hinder students and families, and connectivity for
many First Nations schools remains a significant concern. The impact of these gaps is profound,
and we firmly believe that addressing them is essential in order to create a public education
system that is truly inclusive, allowing every student to thrive.
I understand that new contracts are being finalized and that work is underway at the local level
to connect communities to new and updated fibre-optic cable networks. Any additional
information you can provide from the provincial and federal levels of government regarding this
exciting upcoming work would be appreciated.
While much progress has been made in recent years, our members look forward to seeing a
fully connected B.C. that will benefit all students as soon as possible.
Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association
[Sent September 9, 2024]