If Premier John Horgan is sincere, he should put in place a strategy to deal with gang violence along with accountability: Kash Heed

19 January 2018

HOW SAFE ARE YOU REALLY?

‘Public continues to be at risk because of frequency of gunfire in the streets, in public places’

BY RATTAN MALL

“MY heart goes out to family & friends of the innocent boy caught up in the violence of the Vancouver shooting Saturday.”

That is what Premier John Horgan tweeted on Monday referring to the innocent, 15-year-old boy from Coquitlam who died after being injured in the Saturday night shooting in Vancouver while he was travelling in a vehicle with his parents. He was identified as Alfred Wong, a student at Pinetree Secondary in Coquitlam, on Tuesday.

Former solicitor general Kash Heed, who was a Vancouver police officer for decades and West Vancouver police chief, told The VOICE on Wednesday: “The Premier, if he wants to hold true to his words of being saddened by what has occurred on the weekend, needs to take some aggressive action to make sure that we have a strategy in place and law enforcement officials are held accountable to deal with this.”

He added bluntly: “I can tell you right now if John Horgan were to say to [Deputy Commissioner] Brenda Butterworth-Carr, Head of E Division of the RCMP [Commanding Officer of the B.C. RCMP], that you have two years to deal with this problem – if you do not, the RCMP are out of British Columbia, out of our provincial policing and municipal policing. He has the power. Whether he has the will to do it, remains to be seen.”

John Horgan
Photo by Jay Sharma of Mahi Photo Studio

Heed said only Horgan could initiate changes because “the local mayors do not have, unfortunately, the ability to do it or the drive to do it.”

WHEN I asked Heed about police always asserting that the public is not at risk after every shooting and homicide, he shot back: “Probably one of the most ridiculous comments we hear from police public information officers is the fact that the public is not at risk. This [Saturday night’s shooting] is a clear indication that the public continues to be at risk because of the frequency of gunfire in the streets, in public places in the region.”

He added: “Law enforcement have had to deal with this for many, many years and they are not as successful as they should be and Saturday night’s incident is a clear indication that we have a lot to be concerned about.”

I asked Heed, with whom I have been in touch for well over 15 years now, what steps should the authorities take to deal with this ongoing menace.

He replied: “Well, it’s nothing new from what I’ve said to you over the years … we do not have a comprehensive strategy to deal with gang violence and drug issues in British Columbia. There is no comprehensive long-standing strategy … [1] one that deals with suppression of the problem, [2] one that deals with intervention in the disputes that are taking place between individual groups, and [3] the third one is the prevention part of it, because as you know from many, many years of covering this that when one of these individuals is taken out whether it’s from a law enforcement putting that individual behind bars or the fact that the person has been killed, the void is so easily filled by up-and-comers that want to be part of this activity. So the comprehensive strategy is critical if we are going to have any success in this.”

Heed added: “And the second part that attaches to that comprehensive strategy is accountability. We still do not have one person we can hold accountable to ensuring that that strategy is put in place and that we are dealing on an outcome basis rather than a process-driven basis [to get results].”

I asked Heed his opinion on what the CFSEU-BC [Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – British Columbia] that, in my opinion, has been doing a pretty good job in dealing with gangs.

Heed pointed out: “Again, I want to point out many enforcement agencies, especially those that are attached to the RCMP, are process-driven versus outcome-based.

“So they may have all of these processes in place that are supposedly supposed to deal with this problem, [but] they do not, because if you look at the results … and look at the results here – the frequency of gunfight on our streets and in public places – look at the incident that just occurred. And this is not the only incident that has occurred here.”

Heed than listed some of the incidents since 1994 where innocent victims were killed or injured. These included:

* “Glen Olsen during the Dosanjhs-Johal dispute.” [This was during the gang war between brothers Ron and Jim Dosanjh and Bindy Johal in the early 1990s. In April 1994, Johal’s neighbour, Glen Olson, was shot in a park behind his home while walking Johal’s dog. Police said the killers had mistaken him for Johal. Both the Dosanjh brothers were killed in separate incidents.]

* “You’ve got Rachel Davis at the Purple Onion.” [Imran Sharif was found guilty in 2006 of killing Richard Hui and Rachel Davis outside the Purple Onion club in Gastown in 2004. Sharif went on a shooting spree after getting involved in an altercation outside the club. Davis was trying to protect a teenage boy from being assaulted by a group of men.]

* “You have an individual that was shot in Loft Six, an innocent party.” [In 2003, rival groups inside the Gastown nightclub started shooting at each other. John Popovich, a DJ originally from Windsor, Ontario, was killed in the crossfire and Steve Stanton, a dance instructor from Los Angeles, was wounded.]

* “You had a lady in Port Moody who was sitting in her condominium when a bullet came through the wall.” [In 2005, Laurie Tinga, 42, was critically wounded while watching TV in the living room of her Port Moody townhouse. Bullets also struck two other apartments, but no one else was hurt.]

* “You go back to Chris Mohan and Ed Schellenberg murdered in the Balmoral Towers.” [Innocent victims Chris Mohan, 22, a South Asian, and Edward J. Schellenberg, 55, of Abbotsford as well as four other victims who police said led criminal lifestyles were executed in typical gang-style fashion at an apartment in the Balmoral Towers at 9830 East Whalley Ring Road in Surrey on October 19, 2007].

KASH pointed out: “You look at others that have been caught up in this gunfire and in this gunplay that take place almost nightly or daily in the region.”

He added: “I am frustrated in trying to ensure that accountability is put in place and I have said this for the last almost 20 years of trying to deal with this particular problem and we have little responses to it and then we kind of forget about it and then an instance like this occurred and all of a sudden it’s high profile.”

He concluded: “But I can tell you unless government and John Horgan take some assertive steps here to deal with it, we are going to be unfortunately be faced with the same set of circumstances that we had on the weekend.”

Two males arrested after Richmond assault; victim and suspects known to police

19 January 2018

SHORTLY before 8 p.m. on Thursday (January 18), Richmond RCMP responded to a business in the 10,000-block of No. 3 Road after receiving a call of shots fired and a male brandishing a firearm, possibly with hostages.
Multiple Richmond RCMP officers surrounded the business and established a security perimeter around the area.
A 32-year old male, who was a patron of the business, was assaulted by a suspect dressed in dark clothing and wearing a balaclava. The victim was allegedly struck in the head with part of a firearm, believed to be a shotgun. The suspect then fled in a light-coloured vehicle occupied by multiple suspects. The victim appeared to be specifically targeted.
An immediate broadcast was sent to all neighbouring law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for a light-coloured vehicle with multiple suspects and to exercise caution as they may be armed and dangerous.
The suspect vehicle was located around 9 p.m. in Vancouver near Ross Street and Marine Drive by officers of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). VPD officers, including those from their Emergency Response Team, provided assistance to the Richmond RCMP.
A 19-year-old male and a 22-year old male are currently in custody in Richmond. The crime vehicle has been seized awaiting further analysis and investigation.
The victim was transported to hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries. He has not been cooperative with investigators. The victim and suspects are known to police.
The Richmond RCMP is continuing their investigation and other arrests may be forthcoming.
“Our investigators were able to confirm that no shots were fired, nor were any hostages involved,” said Cpl. Dennis Hwang. “These types of incidents are always treated very seriously and illustrate the dynamic and fluid circumstances that police must contend with on a daily basis. Further, it highlights the importance of accurate information.”

Province invests in B.C. community organizations to challenge racism

19 January 2018

PEOPLE throughout British Columbia will be better equipped to challenge racism, hate and discrimination in their communities as a result of funding to 32 community organizations, announced today by Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Multiculturalism.

The organizations will benefit from $224,000 in funding through the B.C. Organizing Against Racism and Hate (OARH) program. OARH funding is available to help communities address incidents of racism, hate and discrimination. As the most ethnically diverse province in Canada, B.C.’s rich multicultural society helps to nurture inclusiveness, understanding and respect.

“We want people to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance in British Columbia,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “This funding will help communities develop an understanding of the skills and programming necessary to address racism throughout B.C.”

OARH funds connect community anti-racism networks at the local level, encouraging opportunities for collaborative, community-based programs throughout the province. Funded organizations create community-engagement activities for outreach, educational opportunities and workshops to challenge racism and barriers to full inclusion.

“These programs teach people about racism and how to prevent racist behavior,” said Kahlon. “I am pleased to announce that over the coming year, our government will be developing a multiculturalism strategy, a key component of which will be a focus on anti-racism.”

British Columbia’s Multiculturalism Act was created in 1993 to recognize the diversity of British Columbians, encourage respect for the province’s multicultural heritage, promote racial harmony and foster a society without barriers to inclusion.

OARH funding supports a variety of community anti-racism projects, including:

* The Prince George Immigrant and Multicultural Service Society project to establish a series of dialogues for community partners, service providers, public institutions and youth that focus on the power dynamics of racism.

* The Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre project that partners with local Indigenous groups, school districts, immigrant settlement services and RCMP to host a series of dinners to engage youth about refugees and newcomers, as well as how to proactively dispel misinformation and stereotyping.

* The Port Alberni Friendship Centre’s “Divided We Fall” film project, which focuses on the subtleties of racism. Youth and young adults from various cultures will present aspects of common language use and assumptions that are hurtful, yet go unnoticed or unchecked by the mainstream community.

Established OARH communities benefiting from funding in 2018 include 100 Mile House, Abbotsford, Burnaby, Campbell River, Courtenay/Comox Valley, Cowichan Valley/Duncan, Cranbrook, Dawson Creek, Fernie, Fort St. James, Hope, Houston, Kamloops, Kelowna, Kitimat, Nanaimo, Penticton, Port Alberni, Powell River, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Revelstoke, Richmond, Salmon Arm (Shuswap), Smithers, Sunshine Coast, Surrey, Terrace, Vancouver, Vanderhoof, Vernon and Williams Lake.

OBITUARY: SARDAR MANJIT SINGH MAHAL

19 January 2018

Sardar Manjit Singh Mahal of Mahal village in Jalandhar district, Punjab, immigrated to Canada at the age of 15. Manjit was the son of the late Sardar Banta Singh and the late Sardarni Surjit Kaur Mahal. Manjit was a hardworking, compassionate, and strong individual who built a stable life here for his family. Manjit lived in Vancouver before getting married and moving to Surrey where he raised his family.

Manjit is survived by his wife Jagwinder Mahal and his three daughters Gurjot, Kirandeep, Puneet and two sons Gurjodh, and Tejinder. Manjit left us for Waheguru at the young age of 56 and will be missed by his family.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 21at 2 p.m. at the Five Rivers Funeral Home located at 7410 Hopcott Road in Delta. A prayer service will follow at 4 p.m. at the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Delta-Surrey, located at 7050 120^th Street in Surrey.

To contact the Mahal family, please call 604-583-0395.

OBITUARY: KIRANJIT KAUR NIJJAR

19 January 2018

It is with great sadness we would like to announce the death of Kiranjit Kaur Nijjar after a long courageous fight against cancer. She passed away peacefully at 4:09 a.m. on January 12 at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

Funeral service will be held at Riverside Funeral Home 7410 Hopcott Road, Delta, on Sunday, January 21 at 11 a.m. This will be followed by Sehaj Paath da bhog at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, 8115 132^nd Street, Surrey, at 12:30 p.m.

Contact:

Kulbir Singh Nijjar at 604-761-2483 (husband)

Sharanjit Singh Grewal at 604-375-3341 (brother)

Gursharan Singh Gakhal at 778-833-0900 (son-in-law)

B.C. EVENTS: For the week starting Saturday, January 20

19 January 2018

(These are FREE listings. Submit your event at EditorVoice@gmail.com)

2018 Motorcycle Show – Vancouver

Dates: January 19-21. Location: Tradex – Fraser Valley Trade & Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford. Hours: Friday 12-9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Adults $15; Juniors (6-14) $12; Seniors (65+) $11; Children (5 and under) Free with adult purchase; Family Pass $40 (2 adult & 2 junior passes). SHE Rides Night ½ price ladies only after 5 p.m. on Friday Night. Free parking for all motorcycles. To buy tickets, visit: Vancouver Motorcycle Show at http://www.vancouvermotorcycleshow.ca. Tickets can also be purchased on site during event days.

MP Randeep Sarai: Ice Skating Celebration

Randeep Sarai, MP for Surrey Centre, is hosting a celebration for new Canadian citizens on Saturday, January 20, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. It will be a family-friendly ice skating event in which new Canadians will get the opportunity to engage with their local MP and celebrate an important milestone in their lives with their local community. Location: North Surrey Recreational Centre – Youth Lounge Room at 10275 City Parkway, Surrey.

Punjabi Language Celebration

Punjabi Language Education Association’s (PLEA) 15th Annual International Mother Language Day on Saturday, January 20 at North Delta Recreation Centre, 11415 84^th Avenue, Delta. Doors open 1:30 p.m.; Function 2-4 p.m. * Discussions: Recent survey done in the Surrey’s elementary schools and ongoing efforts to promote Punjabi language education. Garry Thind from the Surrey School Board will be present. * Guest Speakers: Jag Khosa will share his experiences about the usefulness of Punjabi in his community work. Dr. Sadhu Singh will talk about the richness of Punjabi language. Sukhwant Hundal will shed light on the importance of Punjabi Wikipedia on the Internet. * Special Honour: PLEA will honour Gian Singh Thind for his contribution to Punjabi language in Canada. Two local teachers will be honoured for their dedication to promoting Punjabi schools. Young Punjabi learners will share poetry, songs and ideas. PLEA invites everyone to come and be part of the annual celebration of their mother tongue Punjabi. Free event. Refreshments served. For more information, contact: Balwant Sanghera at 604-836-8976, Sadhu Binning at 604-437-9014, Parvinder Dhariwal at 778-838-1121 or Paul Binning at 778-889-8255.

Travelling Exhibition of Indian Art

Surrey Art Gallery (13750 – 88^th Avenue) is the only stop in Canada for you to see the travelling exhibition Many Visions, Many Versions: Art from Indigenous Communities in India that runs from January 20 to March 25. Curator’s talk and opening reception: January 20, 6:30−9 p.m.

This collection of boldly coloured and vibrantly patterned paintings features the work of 24 contemporary artists from four major indigenous artistic traditions in India: the Gond and Warli communities of Central India, the Mithila region of Bihar, and the narrative scroll painters of West Bengal. Free admission.

South Asian Seniors: Importance of Yoga

Vedic Senior Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian adults / senior members as well as non-members to attend a presentation on Importance of Yoga for Healthy Living by Swami Ashwini Prajnaa, a visiting yoga expert, on Sunday, January 21, 2-3:30 p.m., at Shanti Niketan Hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple, 8321 140^th Street, Surrey. You can ask him questions. Tea and light snacks will be served. Contact Surendra Handa, coordinator, at 604-507-9945 for further details.

English Conversation Circle

MOSAIC: Facilitator: Jane Shim. Topics: Federal and provincial government * Illness and medical care * Banking * Library and post office * Work * Food. Language requirement: Minimum English Level 3. Wednesdays, January 24 – February 14, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Contact: MOSAIC at 304-2730. Commercial Drive, Vancouver. Shaima: 604-438-8214. sjaff@mosaicbc.org

5^th Annual Delta Idol Competition

Delta Parks, Recreation & Culture is currently accepting auditions for the 5^th Annual Delta Idol Competition – Delta Idol 2018. Auditions are currently being accepted until Sunday, January 21. Live event: Friday, February 23 at Tsawwassen Arts Centre, 1172 56^th Street, Tsawwassen. If you have a passion and talent for singing, auditions, 2018. Full contest rules and audition submission information can be found at delta.ca/events. The contest is open to Delta residents 12-18 years of age. Interested in attending as an audience member? Tickets go on sale January 2. Call 604-943-9437 to purchase in advance, $11 each.

Delta Students: Training for Emergencies

Are you a Delta resident in grade 10 – 12 and in need of volunteer hours? Do you have an interest in Emergency Services? Register for the Teen Emergency Preparedness Program and get trained for emergencies on Friday, February 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students will earn 7 volunteer hours while learning how to be prepared and protect yourself, your family and your friends in case of a disaster. The program held at the North Delta Public Safety Building – 11375 84^th Avenue, Delta, is offered by the George Mackie Library in partnership with the City of Delta, Delta Fire and Emergency Services and Delta Police. Registration is required. For more information, and to register, contact Sylvia Hampton at sylvia.hampton@fvrl.bc.ca or call 604-594-8155.

Be Your Own Best Friend (BYOBF) Network

With the average age of a woman’s first pregnancy in BC recently surpassing 31, egg freezing and fertility treatments are a viable option for reproductive or family planning. On Tuesday, January 30 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the Be Your Own Best Friend (BYOBF) Network is teaming up with Genesis Fertility Centre to present Fertility Info Session: What Are Your Options. Attend the event at Genesis Fertility Centre, 1367 West Broadway, Unit 300, Vancouver. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $10 from www.meetup.com/Be-Your-Own-Best-Friend-South-Asian-Womens-Networking/

Dhahan Prize Submissions

Submissions are now open for the Dhahan Prize in Punjabi literature. Authors who have published novels or short story collections in 2017 in either of the Punjabi scripts, Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi, are invited to submit their works for the $25,000 CDN grand prize. Two finalist prizes of $10,000 CDN will also be awarded. The deadline for submissions is March 31. In addition to the Dhahan Prize Award, financial support will be provided to winning authors for transliteration and publication of their book into Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi scripts. Submissions will be accepted via the Dhahan Prize website, www.dhahanprize.com.

(For more events, please visit the “Events” section of our website voiceonline.com)

Surrey Board of Trade celebrates 100 years of service to Surrey’s business community

19 January 2018

SINCE 1918, the Surrey Board of Trade has served Surrey’s business community. While the organization has evolved since the inaugural meeting to meet the changing needs of a growing and diverse city, the purpose has remained the same: to support the economic development of Surrey and advocate to government for the needs of Surrey’s businesses.

“I am honoured to have been involved with the Surrey Board of Trade for the past 25 years, and as its CEO now for 12 years,” Anita Huberman. “Even in that time, the city has changed and we have grown with it. As we reflect on the past 100 years, we see how much has been accomplished by previous board directors and staff. Our membership is now over 2,500 of some of the best entrepreneurs and business operators, representing 6,000 business contacts. I am proud to continue the tradition of serving their needs through innovative strategies.”

“We can never stop evolving to ensure our members and the community at large are forefront in our discussions at the board table,” said Board Chair Dr. Greg Thomas. “This will be a great year of further growth, advocacy, business and international development as we celebrate 100 years of accomplishments.”

Huberman and Thomas unveiled a new logo celebrating 100 years at the first signature event of 2018, the New Years Business Reception at the Surrey Board of Trade office on January 17. Over 300 business and community leaders were treated to music, refreshments, and member opportunities before applauding the logo unveiling and New Year’s toast to 2018 and to the next 100 years of the Surrey Board of Trade.

“We will be celebrating throughout the year with many surprises to be announced” said Huberman. “A growing city needs a thriving economy, driven by a robust business community. We will continue to put their needs first and advocate for action that will ensure their success now and going forward. We must work together to ensure we have the investments that we need in Surrey and through a strong Surrey Board of Trade that is a cohesive business group, we can make it happen!”

Upcoming events to look for:

* February 8 – 2018 Economic Forecast Lunch with Central 1 Credit Union Chief Economist, Helmut Pastrick

* March 8 – 9th Annual Surrey Women in Business Awards Lunch featuring keynote Kim Campbell

Vancouver Police make urgent appeal for info from public in Saturday’s deadly shooting

19 January 2018

VANCOUVER Police on Friday (January 19) made yet another appeal for the public’s help to solve the homicides of 15-year-old Alfred Wong and 23-year-old Kevin Whiteside, which occurred on Saturday, January 13, near Ontario Street and East Broadway in Vancouver.
Detectives believe there are people who were in the area around the time of the murders but have not yet spoken with police. This information could be critical to the investigation.

“We have collected and reviewed video and determined that there are people out there we still need to talk to,” said Constable Jason Doucette. “In particular, our detectives are looking to speak with anyone who was at the Indochine Kitchen + Bar around the time of the shooting – anywhere between 8 and 9:30 p.m.”

On Saturday, Vancouver Police will position their Mobile Command Centre near Ontario Street and East Broadway from 3 p.m. to midnight. Detectives will be available to talk to anyone who witnessed Saturday night’s events or who has information relevant to the investigation.

The investigation is a top priority for the Vancouver Police Department. Detectives are working around-the-clock to identify witnesses and people with knowledge of this incident.

Anyone with information can contact the VPD Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

City of Vancouver partners with Shaw to expand public’s access to free Wi-Fi

19 January 2018

THE City of Vancouver, in partnership with Shaw Communications Inc., has expanded free public Wi-Fi throughout the city, making #VanWiFi one of the largest free public-Wi-Fi networks in North America.
“Shaw’s expansion of #VanWiFi is a huge win for our residents and businesses, covering more than 500 locations in the downtown core and surrounding areas” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson on Friday. “People are more digitally connected than ever and good public Wi-Fi access enables locals and visitors to more easily connect and interact online and supports Vancouver’s tourism and economic success. This massive digital infrastructure expansion also bolsters Vancouver’s status as a leading Smart City.”

In total, those who live, work or visit Vancouver will have access to free public Wi-Fi at over 600 locations throughout the city.

<http://vancouver.ca/your-government/vanwifi.aspx>

In 2014, the City implemented a procurement process to solicit applications from telecommunications service providers to provide free public Wi-Fi at no cost to the City. Shaw was one of the vendors selected as ‘Pre-Qualified’ to supply free public internet at identified, and future, locations in Vancouver.

After 42 locations were equipped with #VanWiFi in 2015, Shaw was chosen for the second phase in 2016 to provide VanWiFi at 15 locations, including all nine City-owned social housing sites and six outdoor sites, expanding the existing #VanWiFi network at no cost to the City.

“Like our partners at the City of Vancouver, we understand how important it is to have access to a broadly available Wi-Fi network in the places we frequent the most,” said Jim Little, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Culture Officer, Shaw Communications. “This vast expansion of the #VanWiFi public network will give residents and visitors to Vancouver easy connectivity in the busiest locations across the city, whenever they want and need it for free.”

Speaking about the expansion, City of Vancouver’s Chief Technology Officer, Jessie Adcock said: “We are pleased to be working with Shaw to provide one of North America’s largest free public Wi-Fi networks, the latest step in our work to create a connected city. Connectivity such as this provides greater opportunities to all of Vancouver’s residents, innovators, businesses and visitors.”

Approximately 550 free public Wi-Fi locations are currently active, with the remaining locations becoming active over the coming months. All locations can be viewed by visiting vancouver.ca/wifi

Free public Wi-Fi is also available at all Vancouver Public Library locations, 27 community centres, four outdoor pools, four civic facilities, three public golf courses, three theatres, two marinas and the City Hall campus.

“This is an exciting development for the visitor experience in Vancouver” said Ted Lee, Tourism Vancouver’s CFO and Commercial Director. “Free Wi-Fi service in key locations will enable visitors to use their smart phones and devices to discover attractions, activities and restaurants, for wayfinding, and to navigate Vancouver’s transportation options.

“It will also better enable visitors to use social media on a real-time basis to share their Vancouver experiences with the world. Furthermore, this is an important development for the Vancouver tourism industry as it moves us closer to our goal of being a ‘smart’ tourism destination.”

New or improved high-speed internet to 154 rural and remote communities in B.C.

19 January 2018

THROUGH a combined investment of $45.4 million, the federal government in partnership with the B.C. Government is bringing new or improved high-speed internet to 154 rural and remote communities, enabling residents to get online.

Of these 154 communities, 44 First Nations will benefit.

“To be global digital economy leaders today and tomorrow, we need to invest in our broadband infrastructure,” said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “By partnering with the federal government, First Nations, local governments and the private sector, we will give our rural communities the foundation to grow their economies with fast and reliable internet connections.”

The funding was announced by Jane Philpott, federal Minister of Indigenous Services, on behalf of Navdeep Bains, federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Sims, and Jennifer Rice, B.C. Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness, at Canada Place.

“Access to high-speed internet is not a luxury; it’s essential,” said Bains. “High-speed internet service is a basic tool that all Canadians should have access to, regardless of their postal code. Canadians need this service to do business, upgrade their education and build stronger communities. Thanks to our Connect to Innovate program, more Canadians will able to participate fully in the digital economy.”

“Broadband internet is critical to ensuring quick and reliable access to educational resources, economic development opportunities and telehealth services,” said Philpott. “The federal government is proud to partner with the Province, First Nations, local communities and the private sector to bring high-speed Internet to unserved and underserved communities, including 44 First Nations, in British Columbia.”

This investment will help residents of these communities connect with family and friends, do business online, participate in distance education and take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the digital age. It will also help connect schools, hospitals, libraries and businesses to networks that are essential to their services.

Friday’s investment includes new subsea fibre optic cable that will connect communities between Prince Rupert and Vancouver, as well as around Vancouver Island – a total of 3.5 million metres of cable. Thanks to this investment in high-capacity networks in remote and underserved communities, all British Columbians, including First Nations, will be able to fully participate in the digital economy.

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