The Government of Canada
is making investments in British
Columbia to create jobs, strengthen communities and build a
skilled and inclusive workforce
VANCOUVER, BC, May 9, 2024
/CNW/ - British Columbia is home
to industry-leading innovation, world-class destinations and
thriving communities. The Government of Canada is supporting economic growth that will
help B.C. businesses and communities thrive now and for years
to come.
To mark Economic Development Week, the Honourable Harjit S.
Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister
responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of
Canada (PacifiCan), announced over
$3.7 million in PacifiCan funding for
four projects across British
Columbia. This includes over $3.2
million for three projects funded through the Community
Economic Development and Diversification program and $499,143 for one project through the Regional
Innovation Ecosystems program.
The Government of Canada is
committed to building prosperity and creating inclusive economic
opportunities. Two of the projects announced today will directly
support those opportunities across British Columbia. Clear Seas will receive over
$1.7 million to support the
Indigenous Marine Career Advancement Program, which provides
training and job opportunities for Indigenous workers. The program
aims to increase Indigenous participation in maritime-related
industries through career advising, mentorship, job placement and
hands-on experience. Similarly, the Work Wellness Institute will
receive $968,000 to deliver the
Inclusive Workforce Development Program, which will provide
businesses across B.C. with tools and best practices to create
inclusive workplaces.
For the full list of projects, please see backgrounder section
below.
The investments announced this Economic Development Week are
expected to benefit more than 600 businesses and help create more
than 1,200 jobs.
Quotes
"During Economic Development Week, we are shining a spotlight on
B.C.'s thriving businesses and vibrant communities. Today's
investments demonstrate the Government of Canada's dedication to economic development
across British Columbia. Investing
in innovation, strong communities and our workforce is laying the
groundwork for prosperity for British Columbians today and well
into the future."
- The
Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development
and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development
Agency of Canada
"We raise our hands to PacifiCan; their support of our
Indigenous Marine Career Advancement Program (IMCAP) grants us the
opportunity to provide Indigenous peoples with access to education,
training, and career pathways in both the blue economy and within
communities. IMCAP aims to facilitate Indigenous peoples'
meaningful involvement in the marine industry while addressing
skill and labor shortages, fostering an inclusive ecosystem of
partners, industry, participants, and communities, all working
together to support talent and promote sustainable growth."
-
Sarah Thomas, Director of Indigenous
Programs, Clear Seas
Quick Facts
- PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated
to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are
building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and
supporting inclusive growth throughout our province.
- Funding announced today was provided through PacifiCan's
Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) and Community Economic
Development and Diversification (CEDD) programs.
- The RIE program aims to grow and nurture priority sectors
across British Columbia, building
an ecosystem that includes under-represented groups and allows
these priority sectors to innovate and compete globally.
- The CEDD program supports economic development initiatives that
contribute to the economic growth and diversification of
communities across British
Columbia. Through this program, PacifiCan helps communities
respond to economic development opportunities and adjust to
changing and challenging economic circumstances.
Associated Links:
- PacifiCan
- Community Economic Development and Diversification program
- Regional Innovation Ecosystems program
Backgrounder: Minister Sajjan
celebrates Economic Development Week and announces over
$3.7 million for British
Columbians
To mark Economic Development Week, the Honourable Harjit S.
Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister
responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of
Canada (PacifiCan), announced over
$3.7 million in PacifiCan funding for
four projects across British
Columbia. This includes over $3.2
million for three projects funded through the Community
Economic Development and Diversification program and $499,143 for one project through the Regional
Innovation Ecosystems program.
Projects announced today include:
Community Economic Development and Diversification
program
Agrarians Foundation
$555,200
Funding will be used to
deliver the Grow-A-Farmer program to support new farmers and their
unique crops, livestock and operating environment. The project will
include delivering a specialized agriculture entrepreneurship
program, which includes on-farm internship, mentorship and
ecosystem capacity building.
Work Wellness Institute
$968,000
Funding will be used to deliver the Inclusive Workforce Development
Program, which will provide businesses with tools and best
practices to create inclusive workplaces. With this funding, the
Work Wellness Institute will design and maintain the program, hire
trained facilitators or deliver courses throughout B.C., and market
the program.
Clear Seas
$1,750,000
Funding will support the
Indigenous Marine Career Advancement Program, which will provide
training and job opportunities for Indigenous workers. The program
aims to increase Indigenous participation in maritime-related
industries through career advising, mentorship, job placement and
hands-on experience.
Regional Innovation Ecosystems program
Synergy
$499,143
Funding will help businesses on Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast transition to a circular
economy, where nothing is wasted and materials are repurposed as
much as possible. With this funding, Synergy will train existing
businesses in circular economy opportunities, support new business
creation, and drive innovation and collaboration through regional
hub development.
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TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing
impaired): 1-877-303-3388
SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada