Alberta earmarks $150M to address `digital poverty'
The Alberta government is dedicating up to $150 million to improving broadband in rural and Indigenous communities.
Premier Jason Kenney said Thursday at a news conference in Camrose he wants to ensure Albertans in every region benefit from the digital economy.
“This is a fundamental part of our economic strategy,” said Kenney, who added he expects the cash could help the province secure federal funds and investments from the private sector. Kenney said the goal is to put a total of $1 billion into the effort, which is the estimated cost of expanding broadband internet to underserved areas of the province.
“Some exciting things are happening in the private sector already, but we're trying to prime the pump in areas where there may not be an economic, purely market case right now for those companies to invest,” said Kenney.
The Alberta government estimates about 80 per cent of Indigenous communities and 67 per cent of rural communities do not have access to network speed targets set by the CRTC.
However, the government did not provide details about how exactly the funding will be spent, or when.
Service Alberta Minister Nate Glubish said those details would be announced later. He added that frustration over unreliable connectivity is a primary concern in many rural communities, where some businesses have difficulty growing and expanding.
“Broadband internet will also help Albertans access online learning resources to help build their skill sets and careers,” said Glubish.
Newly appointed Rural Economic Development Associate Minister Nate Horner noted the move to online learning during the COVID -19 pandemic created challenges for school divisions and families in rural areas, and said improved broadband can help create new markets and expand existing ones, such as agriculture and tourism.
“As connectivity grows, so will our economy,” said Horner.
Enoch Cree Nation Chief Billy Morin said the funding will significantly improve access to things like education and health.
“It's going to lead to more effective First Nations participation in the economy and health sectors and tech sectors, and when First Nations succeed, so does the province of Alberta,” said Morin, who added young people in his community saw 20 laptops donated for remote learning, but local internet connectivity fell short.
Paul Mclauchlin, president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, said some school children in rural communities were forced to do their exams in the parking lot of a Tim Hortons or a local library because of the lack of internet connectivity. He said many sectors rely on broadband connectivity, so the funding will help resolve “digital poverty” in Alberta.
“It creates hope for our children. It gives them access to ideas — that's where the innovation is driven,” said Mclauchlin.
NDP Leader Rachel Notley said in a statement the announcement came with no plan, no timeline, and “nowhere near enough” funding to solve the problem.
“While the UCP finally appears to be aware of the issue, the lack of a plan means Albertans will have to continue to wait to see any improvement in internet speeds,” said Notley, who pointed to the UCP government losing $1.3 billion on the cancelled Keystone XL pipeline project while rural Albertans are still left without access to basic services.
Notley said the NDP is working on a universal broadband access plan for rural Alberta communities, and would make it a priority if elected in 2023.