Reliable, affordable high-speed Internet is becoming as essential to Canadian farms as electricity and road access, and a new investment in British Columbia aims to ensure more rural producers can fully participate in the digital economy.
The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia have announced up to $236 million in joint funding to support eight infrastructure projects that will bring high-speed Internet to more than 13,000 households in rural and remote regions. This includes underserved and Indigenous communities where connectivity gaps continue to limit economic opportunity and access to critical services.
The announcement was made by Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, alongside Diana Gibson, British Columbia’s Minister of Citizens’ Services. The funding builds on a broader agreement reached in March 2022, when both governments committed up to $830 million to expand broadband access throughout rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across the province.
“High-speed Internet is essential for people to learn, work, connect, access health care and grow their businesses, wherever they call home," said the Honourable Diana Gibson, British Columbia’s Minister of Citizens’ Services. "Through strong partnerships with the federal government, we are helping more families, businesses and Indigenous communities across British Columbia access reliable high-speed connectivity and the opportunities that come with it."
For small and medium-sized farms, improved connectivity can be transformative. Producers increasingly rely on digital platforms for precision agriculture, livestock management, weather monitoring, marketing, and direct-to-consumer sales. Without reliable Internet access, many rural operators face barriers to adopting new technology or competing in modern supply chains.
In addition to the jointly funded projects, the federal government is investing more than $7.8 million into six additional initiatives that will connect up to 1,043 households, including approximately 80 Indigenous households. These smaller-scale projects are designed to reach communities that are often the most difficult and costly to serve.
Federal funding is being delivered through the Universal Broadband Fund, a national program focused on closing the digital divide by supporting high-speed Internet infrastructure in underserved regions. Across all projects included in this announcement, the federal contribution totals up to $156.7 million.
Access to reliable broadband is increasingly linked to farm resilience and diversification. Whether it is allowing producers to sell their farmgate products online, participate in online training, access real-time market data, or manage finances and regulatory requirements, connectivity plays a central role in modern agriculture.
Rural communities also benefit beyond the farm gate. Improved Internet access supports rural businesses, enhances access to education and healthcare services, and helps families stay connected. For many remote areas, broadband expansion is viewed as a critical step in attracting and retaining young farmers and skilled workers.
The federal government has stated it remains on track to meet its national connectivity targets, which include providing high-speed Internet access to 98 per cent of Canadian households by the end of 2026, and achieving full coverage by 2030. Currently, 96.3% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet. These benchmarks are intended to ensure equitable access to digital services regardless of geographic location.
As agriculture continues to evolve, the ability to access reliable Internet service is no longer optional. It is a foundational tool that supports productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness. With new infrastructure investments underway, rural producers across British Columbia may soon find themselves better equipped to grow their operations and connect with markets at home and abroad.