Why It's Important
Enabling remote services and work is a transformative economic development strategy for remote and coastal communities. Reliable high-speed internet, like that provided by the Connected Coast project, allows residents to access high-paying jobs from companies located anywhere in the world, without having to leave their community. This injects new income into the local economy, increases the tax base, and creates opportunities that can help reverse out-migration. It also allows local governments and organizations to deliver services more efficiently (e.g., virtual health consultations, online permit applications), which reduces costs for both the organization and the residents they serve, improving service reliability and community well-being.
History
Remote work, or “telecommuting,” has existed since the 1970s, but it was a niche practice limited by slow and unreliable technology. The widespread adoption of broadband internet in the 2000s made it more feasible, but it remained uncommon. The pivotal moment was the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which forced a massive, global shift to remote work. This event proved that many jobs could be done effectively from anywhere, breaking down long-held cultural and technological barriers. Now, as documented by sources like the Future Skills Centre, remote and hybrid work have become a permanent and significant part of the Canadian economy.
Examples
The Town of Tofino, B.C., has seen an influx of remote workers in creative and tech fields, who are able to live in the community and contribute to the local economy year-round thanks to improved connectivity.
Island Health in British Columbia has significantly expanded its use of virtual care, allowing patients in remote communities to connect with specialists via video call, saving them the time and expense of travelling to larger centres.
Shopify, a major Canadian tech company, famously declared itself a “digital by default” company, allowing its thousands of employees to work from anywhere in Canada, including smaller and more remote communities.
Many Canadian municipalities, like the City of Kelowna, now offer many of their services online, from business licensing to property tax payments, making it easier for residents to interact with their local government remotely.
Software and Tools
Video Conferencing (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet): Essential for virtual meetings, team collaboration, and delivering remote services.
Cloud-Based Office Suites (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace): Allow teams to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real-time from different locations.
Project Management Tools (Trello, Asana): Help remote teams track tasks, manage deadlines, and stay organized on shared projects. Many have excellent free tiers.
Instant Messaging/Chat (Slack, Microsoft Teams): Crucial for the quick, informal communication that replaces “water cooler” conversations in a remote environment.
Remote Desktop Software (TeamViewer, AnyDesk): Allows an IT person or colleague to securely access your computer from a distance to help troubleshoot technical problems.
Online Appointment Booking (Calendly, Acuity Scheduling): Enables service providers (like consultants or health practitioners) to allow clients to book virtual appointments online, reducing administrative overhead.
AI Considerations
AI is significantly enhancing the remote work experience by automating tasks and improving communication. AI-powered tools can summarize long email chains, transcribe virtual meetings and create action items, and help write draft reports and emails. This saves a great deal of time and can improve the quality of work. The main risks are related to privacy and data security. Employees must be trained not to input any sensitive personal information (PII) or confidential company data into public AI chatbots. Companies should consider using enterprise-grade AI tools that have stronger privacy protections. The goal is to use AI to augment, not replace, the critical thinking and secure data handling practices of remote employees.
FAQ
The Government of Canada defines a good connection as 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload. This is generally sufficient for video conferencing and most remote work tasks.
Websites like Job Bank (use the “Work from home” filter), LinkedIn, and specialized remote job boards are excellent resources.
It varies. Some employers provide a stipend, while others expect employees to have their own equipment. This should be clarified in the employment agreement. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has specific rules for deducting home office expenses.
Be intentional about connecting with colleagues for non-work chats. Consider using a local co-working space one or two days a week, or join local community groups to build social connections outside of work.
Start with one simple, high-impact service, like online bill payments or a digital form for a common request. A successful pilot project can build momentum and support for expanding to more complex services.
Pro Tips
Advocate for and utilise reliable connectivity and digital infrastructure so you and your community can access telehealth, online education, and remote job opportunities. Create or use shared workspaces with the equipment you need, and acquire training on collaboration tools and virtual etiquette. Your adoption of remote services demonstrates their value and encourages broader investment in them.
Checklist
External Resources
FNHA Virtual Doctor of the Day: First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day Service Provides Culturally-Safe Primary Care for First Nations People in BC.
The Vanlife Guide to Remote Work in Canada: A practical guide with tips on finding remote jobs and staying connected while travelling or living in different parts of Canada.
Telework and remote work: A new reality: A report from Statistics Canada providing data and insights on the prevalence of remote work across the country.
Grow with Google Canada: Offers free training and tools to help Canadians grow their skills, careers, and businesses, including skills relevant to remote work.