 In order to have a stronger BC, we need to have our communities connected. Each community that we connect brings us closer to an inclusive economy. Everyone in BC deserves high-speed internet regardless of where they live. My name is Rose Cluchus. I'm the City of Campbell River Manager of Economic Development and I'm also the President of Vancouver Island Coast Economic Development Association. Access to high-speed internet is critical for economic development opportunities in all communities here in British Columbia. We have people living in those communities that have great ideas and great ideas need access to the internet. All levels of government make connectivity a priority. We've seen it here in Campbell River at the municipal level with an investment in a municipal broadband network. We see it at the provincial level in projects like the Connected Coast. The digital divide is real. Connectivity is the way to grow economies. Hi, my name is Matthew Jeanette. I'm the owner of Earworm Sound located in Campbell River BC. Without high-speed connectivity and cellular, I really couldn't do what I do for my business. When I moved back from Vancouver in 2011 to start my company, it was definitely a challenge. High-speed internet was few and far between at the time and I had to sometimes resort to going to coffee shops or finding another location in the city. I'm always sending large files, video, audio and my clients demand that they get that on time and I need to be able to do that even from a rural community. So I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing without this initiative. The stronger BC Economic Plan addresses the components of our economy that make British Columbia a great place to live and work and its efforts of closing the digital divide will ensure that businesses can grow and thrive here in BC. Access to high-speed internet levels the playing field for all British Columbians. If every community has access to enterprise level, affordable internet, we will see our economies grow. Having better high-speed internet will bring a change to rural communities and it will allow us to all work and all play together.