Whereas the Local Government Act provides an exemption from the assistance to business prohibition for the provision of capital financing for services provided by a telephone, natural gas or electric power utility; And whereas the availability of high speed broadband service has become as critical to economic development, education, and communication as those services listed, and has recently been declared a basic service by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission CRTC: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM petition the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development to amend Section 275 of the Local Government Act by adding broadband as a service for which capital financing can be provided.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs Housing The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has been in contact with the Regional District CAOs and Chairs Forum regarding this issue. The Ministry has requested a more detailed proposal of the requested amendments and is prepared to continue discussions. Ministry staff is available for advice and consultation regarding section 275 of the Local Government Act.