INFORMATION BULLETIN
For Immediate Release 2005OTP0066-000543 April 18, 2005	Office of the Premier
PREMIER’S TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL RELEASES SEVENTH REPORT

VICTORIA – The Premier’s Technology Council (PTC) released its seventh report today, noting the progress that has been made in advancing B.C.’s technology competitiveness since 2001.

 

In particular, the council notes that the Province has acted on over 90 per cent of its recommendations to date, including actions to:

• Bridge the digital divide, which has been a key priority for the council since its inception. The Province’s recently announced partnership with TELUS will see broadband Internet access extended to the 366 communities identified by the PTC by the end of next year. The council defined a community as one having a public school, library or health care facility.
• Grow the province’s power technology industry. The government has established a new Alternative Energy and Power Technology Task Force to make B.C. a world leader in sustainable environmental management. The Province will work with industry to develop solutions to today’s energy challenges and showcase B.C.’s leadership in world markets using opportunities such as the 2006 World Urban Forum and the 2010 Winter Olympics.
• Modernize the government’s procurement system.
• Promote technology investment through improvements to the small business venture capital program.

 

New recommendations in the council’s seventh report include opportunities to further enhance the quality and quantity of risk capital in the province, to identify ways to leverage technologies for delivering better healthcare services, to grow the province’s senior talent and to build on the current development of the power technology and new media industries. To build on progress made on bridging the digital divide, the council also recommends the provincial and federal governments work with First Nations to provide broadband and related services to First Nations communities across B.C. wherever possible.

 

The Premier’s Technology Council was established in August 2001 to advise the government on issues related to the advancement and application of technology in British Columbia.

 

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The report is posted on the Premier’s website at http://www.gov.bc.ca/prem/. Follow the links to Premier's Technology Council.

 

Media contact:	Jim Mutter President Premier's Technology Council 604 775-2115
Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services.