The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has announced a major initiative to expand high-speed fibre Internet to three underserved communities in British Columbia and the Yukon. This initiative, part of the CRTC’s Broadband Fund, will bring much-needed connectivity to Jade City, Good Hope Lake (Dease River), and Upper Liard, improving digital access for residents, businesses, and essential institutions.
With over $14 million committed to this project, CityWest Cable and Telephone Corp. will build approximately 250 kilometres of new fibre infrastructure, ensuring these communities gain access to reliable, high-speed Internet services.
In this article, we explore the importance of the CRTC’s Broadband Fund, the impact of this investment, and what it means for Canadians living in rural and remote regions.
CRTC’s Broadband Fund: Bridging the Digital Divide
What Is the CRTC Broadband Fund?
Launched in 2019, the CRTC Broadband Fund is a government initiative aimed at expanding high-speed Internet and mobile services to rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada. The fund has already enhanced connectivity in over 270 communities, improving Internet and cellphone service for thousands of Canadians. To date, the fund has contributed to:- ✔ Connecting over 47,000 households to high-speed Internet
- ✔ Improving cellphone coverage along 630 km of major roads
- ✔ Building over 5,200 km of fibre-optic infrastructure
The Latest Project: High-Speed Fibre for Three Communities
- Jade City, British Columbia Located in northern British Columbia, Jade City is known for its jade mining industry. This remote community lacks reliable broadband, limiting business opportunities and essential services. With new fibre connectivity, residents will experience faster, more stable Internet access, supporting local businesses and tourism.
- Good Hope Lake (Dease River), British Columbia Good Hope Lake is home to the Dease River First Nation, a small Indigenous community that has long struggled with poor Internet access. The introduction of high-speed fibre will provide better connectivity for health care, education, and community services, fostering economic growth and cultural preservation.
- Upper Liard, Yukon Located near Watson Lake, Upper Liard has historically suffered from unreliable Internet. The new fibre-optic infrastructure will deliver high-speed connectivity, benefiting schools, health care facilities, and local businesses. This expansion will support telemedicine, online learning, and remote work opportunities.
How This Project Will Benefit Local Communities
The CRTC’s latest broadband expansion is set to bring significant improvements to daily life in these communities:
- Improved Health Care Access
- Residents will have better access to telemedicine services, reducing the need for long-distance travel.
- Medical facilities will be able to transmit data and access patient records more efficiently.
- Better Education Opportunities
- Students can engage in online learning, attend virtual classrooms, and access educational resources.
- Schools will benefit from faster Internet connections, allowing teachers to integrate digital tools into the curriculum.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation
- High-speed Internet will enable local businesses to expand online, boosting e-commerce and digital marketing opportunities.
- The construction of fibre infrastructure will create jobs and support local contractors.
- Enhanced Community Services
- Government offices, community centers, and emergency services will have more reliable digital communications.
- Residents will experience faster access to government resources and online applications.
CRTC’s Commitment to Expanding Rural Internet Access
The CRTC continues to assess Broadband Fund applications, with more funding announcements expected in the coming months. In December 2024, the CRTC introduced new measures to streamline funding and accelerate broadband projects.
Additionally, the CRTC plans to launch an “Indigenous Stream” of the Broadband Fund in 2025. This initiative will provide targeted support for Indigenous communities, ensuring culturally relevant, sustainable broadband solutions.
Quote from CRTC Chairperson
Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and CEO of the CRTC, emphasized the significance of this project:
“We are taking action to help ensure that all Canadians have access to high-quality communications services. The project announced today will have a positive impact on three communities in British Columbia and the Yukon. This will help improve access to health care and education, and create new economic opportunities.”
Her statement highlights the CRTC’s mission to close the digital divide and empower rural communities through improved connectivity.
Why High-Speed Internet Is Essential for Rural Canada
Canada’s rural and remote communities often face significant barriers to digital access, economic development, and essential services due to inadequate Internet connectivity.
Challenges Faced by Rural Communities
- Limited broadband infrastructure, leading to slow or unreliable Internet.
- Higher service costs, making high-speed Internet less affordable.
- Lack of competition among service providers, resulting in fewer options for consumers.
By investing in fibre-optic networks, the CRTC aims to ensure digital equity, enabling all Canadians—regardless of location—to benefit from the opportunities of the digital age.
Final Thoughts: A Step Toward a More Connected Canada
Key Takeaways
- ✅ $14 million investment in fibre infrastructure
- ✅ 250 km of new fibre-optic cables
- ✅ High-speed Internet for 3 remote communities
- ✅ Better health care, education, and business opportunities
- ✅ More CRTC funding announcements expected in 2025
