Letter re Internet Accessibility

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200-1627 Fort Street, Victoria BC  V8R 1H8 
Telephone (250) 405-5151    Fax (250) 405-5155 
Toll Free via Enquiry BC in Vancouver 604.660-2421.  Elsewhere in BC 
1.800.663.7867 
Email  information@islandstrust.bc.ca 
Web  www.islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
 
Bowen  Denman  Hornby  Gabriola Galiano  Gambier  Lasqueti  Mayne  North Pender  Salt Spring  Saturna  South Pender  Thetis 
September 5, 2019        File No.: 0400-20; 0400-30; 5590-30 
 
Via email: CITZ.Minister@gov.bc.ca 
 
The Honourable Jinny Sims 
Minister of Citizens’ Services 
PO Box 9068, Stn Prov Govt 
Victoria BC V8W 9E2 
Via Email: ised.minister-ministre.isde@canada.ca 
 
The Honourable Navdeep Bains 
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 
235 Queen Street 
Ottawa, ON K1A 0H5 
 
Re: Internet Accessibility and Connectivity throughout the Islands Trust Area 
 
Dear Minister Sims and Minister Bains: 
 
I am writing on behalf of the Islands Trust to request further funding and support for the Islands Trust Area 
communities that have not been included in the Connect to Innovate and Connected Coast initiatives, 
namely Denman Island, Hornby Island, Gabriola Island, Thetis Island, Galiano Island, Mayne Island, South 
Pender Island, and Keats Island.   
 
During the June 18-20, 2019 Islands Trust Council meeting, the following resolution was passed: 
 
That Trust Council, by a letter signed by the Chair, request the appropriate agencies of Canada and 
the Province of British Columbia to take steps to facilitate and fund the safe and reliable 
improvement of internet connectivity throughout the Trust Area and in particular to encourage the 
provision of additional landing sites to service areas in the Trust Area that may request such service 
through the Connected Coast project. 
 
Islands Trust supports the Connect to Innovate and Connected Coast initiatives and believes these 
programs will improve internet services to many residents within the Islands Trust Area; however, not all 
residents and communities are being reached. Islands Trust agrees with the underlying principles that 
improved, high-speed broadband internet connections for residents in rural and remote communities will in 
turn help to improve their quality of life. Improved connectivity can help community members to reduce 
their greenhouse gas emissions via reduced travel, access education and health services, participate in 
economic opportunities that are compatible with the conservation of island resources, and better 
participate in the decision-making processes of all levels of government.  
 
Please note that we encourage a process whereby all service providers are required to prevent or lessen 
impacts on cultural, archaeological and sacred sites as per the Islands Trust Reconciliation Declaration.  
 
Yours sincerely, 
 
Peter Luckham 
Chair, Islands Trust Council 
pluckham@islandstrust.bc.ca  
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Honourable Jinny Sims 
Honourable Navdeep Bains 
September 5, 2019 
Page 2 
 
 
cc: Michelle S

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