I don't know for sure about coverage in BC, but I did travel to Ontario quite a bit..phone worked fine in Windsor, London, and the Toronto area.

From:
[link|http://www.verizonwireless.com/apps/plsql/faq.get_list?p_mode=basic&p_topic=359#FAQ1321|http://www.verizonwi...topic=359#FAQ1321]

In what countries can I take my Verizon Wireless phone and be able to make and receive calls?

You can use your tri-mode Verizon Wireless phone in:

Canada, Mexico, (Region 1 - Tijuana, Region 4 -Monterray, Region 5 - Guadalajara, Region 6 - Leon, Region 7 - Vera Cruz and Puebla, Region 8 - Cancun and Cozumel, Region 9 - Mexico City), Puerto Rico, South Korea

If you plan to travel to other international locations, Verizon Wireless offers International Traveler\ufffd, a product exclusively for Verizon Wireless customers with service provided by Rent-a-Phone. For more details on the program, including equipment requirements, pricing and service availability please contact Customer Service at 1-800-711-8300 or visit our webpage at internationaltraveler.verizonwireless.com.

So it looks like verizon would work for you, but I'd continue your attempts to contact them. YMMV, IANACPE, etc...