Our deep appreciation to Susan Stanford, Assistant Deputy Minister of Connectivity & ICT, for sharing her expertise. Her keynote grounded the day's digital ambitions in a critical reality check, true inclusion requires looking beyond government services to the lived experience of every British Columbian.
The Foundation: Connectivity Isn’t a Given
To illustrate this, she began with the most fundamental layer: connectivity itself. The ambitious goal is connecting over 99% of BC homes to future-proofed, high-speed internet by 2030—a transformative infrastructure investment. Yet, Susan revealed a stark gap: over 10% of low-income families cannot access affordable plans due to location or provider eligibility. This isn't just about infrastructure; it's about equitable access.
The Surprising Scale of Digital Exclusion
Challenging the room, Susan asked how many considered the “digitally excluded” a small fringe group. Citing UK research, she revealed that 18% of adults lack essential digital skills, creating a massive drag on GDP—a potential $9-12 billion annual impact for BC. Exclusion is widespread, driven by affordability, outdated devices, fear of fraud, and a lack of skills and trust.
A New Approach: Targeted, Data-Informed Action
Moving from “flicking peas at a mountain” with scattered programs, Susan advocated for a coordinated, provincial strategy modeled on successful frameworks like the UK’s Digital Exclusion Risk Index. This means:
Using rich segmentation data to target support in both urban and rural communities.
Addressing the full “hierarchy of needs”: infrastructure, affordable access, reliable devices, and finally, the skills and confidence to participate safely.
Measuring adoption to ensure digital services are truly reaching and working for people.
The Call to Action: Awareness, Coordination, Measurement
Her closing ask was clear: to bridge the gap between world-class infrastructure and inclusive service delivery, we must increase awareness, coordinate efforts across all sectors, and rigorously measure our progress toward closing the digital divide for everyone. By measuring true adoption and focusing on the full journey—from a reliable connection to the confidence to use it—we can build a digital province that leaves no one behind, by design.
Susan Stanford moved beyond theory to present a gripping, data-driven case for digital equity, revisiting her compelling stories or discovering them for the first time, watching this session is crucial. It provides the critical "why" behind the "how," framing our shared mission to reshape public service with compassion and precision. Watch now.
To achieve this future, industry and community partners must bring scalable solutions for affordable access, digital literacy programs, and trustworthy platforms that collectively close the gap between connectivity and genuine inclusion.
Be Part of the Next Chapter: Government Innovation Showcase British Columbia 2026
The conversation continues next year as Government Innovation Showcase British Columbia returns in 2026. Join provincial and local leaders, experts, and innovators to explore the next wave of transformation shaping the public sector.
Coming 2026 - View the event website
