Canada News Centre2026-07-13T13:30:38-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/news.htmlhttps://www.canada.ca/etc/designs/canada/wet-boew/assets/wmms-blk.svghttps://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2026/07/backgrounder-government-of-canada-invests-over-8-million-to-help-surrey-businesses-boost-productivity-and-reach-new-markets.html

British Columbia’s economy is driven by strong businesses that create good jobs and support vibrant communities. To remain competitive and resilient, they are pivoting to new pathways for growth with support from the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).

Pacific Economic Development Canada2026-07-13T13:30:38-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2026/05/backgrounder-accelerating-commercialization-and-adoption-of-ai-and-quantum-technologies-in-british-columbia.html

The Government of Canada is investing in innovative B.C. companies so they can scale up, build resilience, and compete globally, while anchoring valuable AI and quantum technology innovation in Canada.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2026-05-11T14:01:06-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2026/04/backgrounder-government-of-canada-strengthens-business-growth-in-delta-and-richmond.html

The Government of Canada, through PacifiCan, is investing in B.C. businesses to strengthen local supply chains, boost productivity, and open global markets to B.C. exporters.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2026-04-17T13:00:55-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2026/03/backgrounder-pacifican-invests-138-million-to-advance-defence-innovation-in-ai-and-aerospace-in-british-columbia.html

Canada is making major investments to protect our sovereignty, strengthen security and create prosperity. In B.C., PacifiCan is investing in researchers and innovators to advance defence technologies that protect Canada.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2026-03-31T17:00:21-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2026/03/backgrounder-government-of-canada-strengthening-industries-and-businesses-in-bcs-southern-interior.html

The Government of Canada is strengthening B.C. industries and businesses impacted by tariffs with investment through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2026-03-02T18:00:01-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2026/02/backgrounder-pacifican-invests-in-defence-innovation-and-capacity-building-in-bc-to-strengthen-canadas-security.html

In today’s rapidly changing world, Canada is making major investments to protect our sovereignty, strengthen security and create prosperity.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2026-02-20T13:31:30-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2025/03/backgrounder-pacifican-announces-over-48-million-in-funding-to-attract-more-visitors-to-bc-and-bring-bc-products-to-more-markets-around-the-world.html

The Government of Canada is investing in memorable outdoor and cultural experiences across the province, and providing additional support to help businesses diversify export markets

Pacific Economic Development Canada2025-03-05T13:05:28-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2025/03/backgrounder-pacifican-announces-183-million-to-scale-up-local-businesses-boost-bc-exports-and-opens-new-intake-for-business-growth-program.html

Across British Columbia, ambitious entrepreneurs are growing their companies and creating prosperity, in sectors from agriculture to life sciences. PacifiCan is investing in this growth.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2025-03-03T13:33:37-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2025/01/backgrounder-pacifican-invests-17-million-to-support-business-growth-across-bc.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $17 million in PacifiCan funding for 10 organizations to help businesses in key sectors, such as life sciences, clean technology, and construction, scale up their operations.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2025-01-31T14:45:31-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2024/11/backgrounder-northern-bc-organizations-receive-over-950000-to-create-memorable-outdoor-experiences-and-strengthen-tourism-in-rural-communities.html

British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2024-11-27T12:59:36-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2024/10/backgrounder-thompson-okanagan-communities-receive-over-725000-to-create-memorable-outdoor-experiences-and-support-sustainable-tourism.html

British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2024-10-29T14:01:24-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2024/10/backgrounder-government-of-canada-invests-94-million-to-drive-innovation-and-economic-growth-in-surrey.html

Surrey is one of British Columbia’s fastest growing cities, home to innovative businesses and ambitious entrepreneurs with exciting plans for the future.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2024-10-25T14:00:36-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2024/09/backgrounder-lower-mainland-attractions-receive-16-million-to-create-memorable-cultural-experiences-and-boost-indigenous-tourism.html

British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and unique arts and culture experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2024-09-27T14:00:22-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2024/09/backgrounder-government-of-canada-invests-35-million-to-drive-innovation-and-economic-growth-on-vancouver-island.html

Amazing things are happening on Vancouver Island, a region known for both its stunning natural attractions and world-class innovations.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2024-09-04T20:15:17-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2024/07/backgrounder-government-of-canada-provides-over-16-million-to-spur-innovation-and-economic-growth-in-kamloops.html

Exciting things are happening in Kamloops and the Central Interior. From food to forestry, local innovators are coming together to build a strong economy for the region. PacifiCan shares this ambition for growth and is committed to partnering with community leaders across British Columbia to realize their vision, create quality jobs, and promote regional prosperity.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2024-07-31T13:52:42-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2024/05/backgrounder-government-of-canada-supports-growth-and-innovation-in-british-columbias-quantum-technology-industry.html

Quantum science examines the behaviour of matter and energy at the smallest scale. It has led to groundbreaking technological advances, such as new medicines, more efficient and secure digital communications, and new approaches to tracking and forecasting climate change.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2024-05-30T14:30:52-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2024/05/backgrounder-canada-bc-support-first-nations-in-bc-to-power-up-new-clean-energy-projects.html

Thirty-five First Nations throughout B.C. are receiving $9.8 million in federal and provincial funding to develop clean energy projects that will help them meet their energy needs efficiently and sustainably while creating more jobs for people in their communities.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2024-05-23T16:45:06-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2024/05/backgrounder-minister-sajjan-celebrates-economic-development-week-and-announces-over-3-million-for-british-columbians.html

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.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2024-05-09T14:00:29-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2024/03/backgrounder-government-of-canada-invests-almost-14-million-to-drive-innovation-and-economic-growth-in-vancouver.html

Seven local businesses and organizations will receive funding to commercialize new products, expand operations, and access global markets.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2024-03-14T12:30:03-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/11/backgrounder-vancouvers-north-shore-communities-receive-over-27-million-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2.7 million in PacifiCan funding for seven projects throughout Vancouver’s North Shore.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-11-09T13:00:00-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/10/backgrounder-sea-to-sky-communities-receive-over-19-million-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, in turn supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality. Throughout Sea to Sky Country, communities are welcoming residents and visitors alike to enjoy new and improved public spaces and tourism experiences.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-10-27T13:30:15-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/10/backgrounder-government-of-canada-invests-over-3-million-to-grow-british-columbian-businesses-and-build-a-skilled-workforce.html

British Columbia’s small businesses are the heart of our communities and the economic engine of our province. To continue fueling the entrepreneurial spirit of British Columbians, the Government of Canada is making investments in organizations that help businesses grow.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-10-16T13:19:49-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/10/backgrounder-lower-mainland-communities-receive-14-million-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $1.4 million in PacifiCan funding for six projects across the Lower Mainland.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-10-06T13:00:51-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/09/backgrounder-northern-british-columbia-communities-receive-over-12-million-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to building vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-09-28T13:00:02-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/09/backgrounder-southern-interior-communities-receive-over-47-million-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

British Columbia’s Southern Interior communities are welcoming residents and visitors to new and improved public spaces and tourism experiences that stimulate the local economy and enhance community wellbeing.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-09-27T13:00:56-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/09/backgrounder-vancouver-island-and-coast-communities-receive-over-26-million-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-09-21T13:00:57-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/07/backgrounder-vancouver-organizations-receive-over-24-million-to-revitalize-local-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to building vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-07-28T13:05:41-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/07/backgrounder-government-of-canada-announces-over-208-million-for-businesses-and-organizations-in-burnaby-bc-to-expand-operations-and-create-jobs.html

Throughout British Columbia, innovative organizations and businesses are propelling the economy forward. PacifiCan’s vision is enduring prosperity for all British Columbians and we are partnering with forward-thinking entrepreneurs and innovators who share this ambition.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-07-27T13:00:39-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/07/backgrounder-business-scale-up-and-productivity-program-launches-new-intake-provides-46m-to-three-bc-businesses-to-expand-and-reach-global-markets.html

To support B.C.'s boldest and brightest changemakers, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for PacifiCan, is announcing that a new intake for PacifiCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity will open today.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-07-14T13:00:00-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/06/backgrounder-the-government-of-canada-invests-close-to-13-million-in-lower-mainland-businesses-to-fuel-innovation-and-economic-growth-in-bc.html

Seven local businesses in zero waste and clean tech industries will receive funding to commercialize new technology, expand their operations and reach new markets.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-06-28T13:15:00-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/06/backgrounder-government-of-canada-invests-over-81-million-to-commercialize-new-technologies-create-quality-jobs-and-increase-competitiveness.html

Six Greater Victoria organizations receive funding to research and commercialize new technologies, create quality jobs, and increase global competitiveness

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-06-27T14:00:15-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/05/backgrounder-minister-sajjan-celebrates-economic-development-week-and-announces-over-31-million-for-british-columbians.html

To mark Canada’s first Economic Development Week, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan announced over $3.1 million in PacifiCan funding for nine projects across British Columbia.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-05-24T13:01:29-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/04/backgroundervancouver-organizations-receive-almost-3-million-to-enhance-local-tourism-experiences.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2.9 million in PacifiCan funding through the Tourism Relief Fund for 14 projects in Vancouver.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-04-17T14:00:00-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/03/backgrounder-government-of-canada-invests-over-257-million-to-fuel-innovation-and-economic-growth-in-vancouver.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $25.7 million to help 10 Vancouver-based organizations fuel the B.C.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-03-20T13:00:12-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/03/backgrounder-fraser-valley-communities-in-british-columbia-receive-over-25-million-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2.5 million in PacifiCan funding for ten projects throughout the Fraser Valley and Fraser Canyon.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-03-10T13:00:00-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/03/backgrounder-west-kootenay-communities-receive-over-12-million-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $1.2 million in PacifiCan funding for 12 projects across the West Kootenays.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-03-08T13:33:09-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/03/backgrounder-community-organizations-receive-over-39-million-to-support-francophone-and-francophile-communities-in-british-columbians.html

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, announced an investment of over $3.9 million for four projects to support B.C.’s Francophone and Francophile communities.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-03-02T17:00:46-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/02/backgrounder-thompson-okanagan-communities-receive-over-25-million-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2.5 million in PacifiCan funding for 16 projects across the Thompson Okanagan.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-02-23T13:00:00-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/02/backgrounder-northern-british-columbia-communities-receive-over-830000-in-funding-to-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $830,000 in PacifiCan funding through the Tourism Relief Fund for six projects throughout the Skeena-Bulkley Valley.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-02-15T12:00:00-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/01/backgroundervancouver-island-and-coast-communities-receive-over-39-million-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $3.9 million in PacifiCan funding for 21 projects across Vancouver Island and the Coast.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2023-01-13T13:00:00-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2022/12/backgrounder-northern-bc-communities-receive-over-24-million-in-funding-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2.4 million in PacifiCan funding for ten projects across Northern B.C.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2022-12-13T13:43:53-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2022/12/backgrounder-east-kootenay-communities-receive-over-2-million-in-funding-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2 million in PacifiCan funding for ten projects throughout the East Kootenays.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2022-12-08T13:00:00-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2022/12/backgrounder-thompson-okanagan-communities-receive-over-55-million-in-funding-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $5.5 million in PacifiCan funding for 23 projects throughout the Thompson Okanagan.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2022-12-07T13:00:00-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2022/11/minister-sajjan-announces-new-pacifican-service-on-vancouver-island-and-the-coast-and-an-investment-of-52-million-in-the-local-economy0.html

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) announced the official opening of new PacifiCan offices in Victoria and Campbell River, serving businesses and communities across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Central Coast, and Sunshine Coast.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2022-11-25T17:15:00-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2022/11/backgrounder-communities-throughout-northern-british-columbia-receive-funding-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

From the Port of Prince Rupert to the Alaska Highway, British Columbians across Northern B.C are working hard to build their businesses and create vibrant communities. PacifiCan is here to help.PacifiCan is the new federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbia. PacifiCan works with partners across B.C who are building businesses and creating vibrant communities.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2022-11-17T13:15:00-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2022/11/backgrounder-minister-sajjan-announces-new-pacifican-service-in-the-southern-interior-of-bc.html

From the Coast Mountains to the Kootenays, businesses and community organizations across the Southern Interior are working hard to build their businesses and create vibrant communities. PacifiCan is here to help.PacifiCan is the new federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbia. PacifiCan works with partners across B.C. who are building businesses and creating vibrant communities.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2022-11-16T12:30:57-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2022/10/in-celebration-of-small-business-week-bc-small-businesses-receive-12-million-to-enhance-tourism-experiences-across-the-province.html

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses – from coffee shops to campgrounds – played a critical role in sustaining communities across British Columbia. Small businesses in the tourism sector were especially hard hit, yet they continued to serve as the lifeblood of local economies, offering British Columbians much-needed reprieve.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2022-10-17T13:00:00-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2022/09/backgrounder-government-of-canada-announces-funding-for-advancements-in-mrna-vaccine-technology-at-the-university-of-british-columbia.html

British Columbians continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether at home, at work, or in their community. Throughout the pandemic, science has provided the greatest defense, particularly through mRNA vaccines. These vaccines trigger the body’s immune response to help protect against infection and severe illness.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2022-10-03T13:00:46-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2022/08/backgrounder-communities-throughout-northern-british-columbia-receive-funding-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Backgrounder: Communities throughout northern British Columbia receive funding to revitalize public spaces and enhance tourism experiences

Pacific Economic Development Canada2022-08-23T13:30:05-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2022/07/backgrounder-communities-throughout-central-and-northern-vancouver-island-receive-funding-to-revitalize-public-spaces-and-enhance-tourism-experiences.html

Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to building vibrant communities. Upgrading existing infrastructure and building new public assets will help municipalities across British Columbia provide better access to recreational programs and facilities, growing economic opportunities, creating jobs, and improving community wellness.

Pacific Economic Development Canada2022-07-19T16:30:00-04:00