Prince George, B.C. — Dick Harris, MP for Cariboo–Prince George, today announced that thirteen projects in British Columbia have been conditionally approved for funding through the Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians program. These projects will bring broadband Internet access to approximately 9 400 households in the province.

"Broadband Internet will mean boundless opportunities for these communities," said Mr. Harris. "These latest announcements, together with those from round one announced in May, mean that these British Columbia households will soon be online at modern, multimedia-capable speeds."

Canada's Economic Action Plan provided $225 million for the development and implementation of a strategy to extend broadband coverage. By far the biggest component of this strategy is Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians, an initiative that targets Canadians living in unserved and underserved areas. This is the second funding announcement under Broadband Canada; others will follow until all available funds have been allocated.

For the individuals, families and businesses in British Columbia that will soon have access to broadband Internet, important economic and social benefits, including telehealth, business opportunities and distance learning, will become available. More broadly, it will encourage economic development, spur innovation and improve the quality of life in hundreds of communities across the province.

The attached backgrounder provides more information on this round of announcements. More details, including the areas covered by these projects, are available on the Broadband Canada website