Northern BC Future: A Campaign Platform for Ultra‑High‑Speed Connectivity
Our Vision
We envision a thriving, innovative, and economically resilient Northern British Columbia where every community—from the urban centres of Prince George and Quesnel to the remotest towns—has access to world‑class digital infrastructure. Our platform is about empowering citizens through an environment in which technology fuels economic opportunity, strengthens individual freedoms, and fosters community self‑reliance.
We stand as independent candidates dedicated to galvanizing rapid socioeconomic change. By bridging the digital divide with a 10 Gb/s symmetrical fibre‑optic network, we will unlock opportunities that benefit residents, businesses, and public services at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
The Challenge: Bridging the Digital Divide
Despite the wealth of natural resources and untapped economic potential, much of Northern BC still relies on outdated infrastructure. Limited high‑speed internet impedes modern education, healthcare, and digital commerce. Our region suffers from:
- Youth Outmigration: Talented young people leave for more connected urban centres.
- Economic Vulnerability: Resource‑dependent communities face instability due to market fluctuations.
- Restricted Innovation: Insufficient connectivity deters businesses requiring high‑bandwidth solutions.
Our proposed connectivity upgrade aims to overcome these challenges and create a level playing field where local talent and businesses can thrive.
Opportunities for Economic Transformation
Deploying a 10 Gb/s fibre‑optic network is a critical step toward transforming Northern BC into a global digital hub. With ultra‑high‑speed connectivity, we will drive:
- Advanced Technology Adoption: Enable data centres, AI research facilities, and remote work hubs that support new business models and attract national and international investment.
- Job Creation and Workforce Development: Stimulate job growth through infrastructural projects while empowering youth with training and local employment opportunities.
- Inclusive Economic Growth: Ensure that all communities—including Indigenous groups—can participate fully in the digital economy, thereby reducing the current imbalance.
- Improved Public Services: Enhance digital access in education, healthcare, and government services, laying the groundwork for a more connected and resilient society.
Our Policy Proposals
To achieve rapid socioeconomic change, we propose a multi‑tiered strategy that calls on action at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels:
Municipal Initiatives
- Digital Master Plans: Integrate fibre‑optic routes into urban development plans using “dig once” strategies for maximum efficiency.
- Local Partnerships: Work with community organizations, local businesses, and Indigenous leaders to develop public‑access Wi-Fi and support local tech incubators.
- Workforce and Youth Programs: Collaborate with educational institutions to establish training programs in network technology and digital skills to keep local talent at home.
Provincial Strategies
- Expanded Funding: Leverage existing programs such as the Universal Broadband Fund and Connecting Communities BC to focus on gigabit‑level deployment rather than just minimum standards.
- Public‑Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between the province and private operators to speed up deployment and share resource costs.
- Regulatory Reforms: Simplify permitting processes and enforce open‑access rules to encourage robust market competition and drive down consumer costs.
Federal Actions
- Enhanced Investment: Continue and expand federal funding aimed at extending high‑speed broadband to all rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
- Competitive Wholesale Policies: Promote fair wholesale rates and regulatory frameworks that facilitate multiple service providers to enter and sustain the market.
- National Standards: Set ambitious targets that move beyond the current 50/10 Mbps threshold to embrace future‑proof technologies and ensure national consistency.
Our Commitment to Inclusive, Nonpartisan Change
Our campaign stands apart because our vision is built on a shared commitment to innovation, individual empowerment, and community collaboration. We work not as representatives of any political party, but as proud independent advocates for Northern BC’s future. Our platform is founded on real‑world data and a deep understanding of local challenges—from declining youth retention to the hurdles of maintaining outdated infrastructure.
We believe that by fostering a competitive digital marketplace, modernizing regulations, and ensuring equitable access for all citizens, we can enact the rapid socioeconomic change our region desperately needs.
Call to Action
Join us in championing a future where Northern BC stands at the forefront of digital innovation and economic empowerment. Our campaign platform is more than a plan—it is a commitment to unlock the region’s full potential by transforming connectivity into an engine for growth. Together, we will ensure that every community—municipal, provincial, and federal—plays its part in creating a better, more connected future for all.
Let’s build a Northern BC where technology drives freedom, prosperity, and true community resilience.
References
- Profile of the British Columbia Technology Sector: 2020 Edition
- Sparkgeo – Geospatial Consultancy
- Noratek Solutions – BC High‑Tech Company
- Connectivity in B.C. – Province of British Columbia
- Northern BC Connectivity Benefits Study – Economic Analysis (2023)
- TELUS Investing $19 Million in Prince George (2022)
- Improved Internet Connectivity for Northern BC (2022)
- High‑Speed Access for All: Canada's Connectivity Strategy (2024)