Minister Sajjan celebrates Economic Development Week and announces over $3.1 million for British Columbians
The Government of Canada is making investments in British Columbia to revitalize community spaces, attract visitors, and grow prosperity across the province
May 24, 2023 – Pitt Meadows, British Columbia – PacifiCan
From coast to coast to coast, Canada has industry-leading innovation, world-class destinations and thriving communities. The Government of Canada is supporting economic growth that will help Canadian businesses and communities thrive now and for years to come.
To mark Canada’s first 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 $3.1 million in PacifiCan funding for nine projects across British Columbia. This includes $1,763,439 for four projects funded through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, $1,014,012 for three projects funded through the Tourism Relief Fund, and one project through each of the Regional Innovation Ecosystems and Community Economic Development and Diversification programs.
The Government of Canada is committed to building prosperity and creating opportunities and conditions for continued economic growth for everyone, including Indigenous communities across B.C. Four of the projects announced today will support Indigenous tourism. For example, the Katzie First Nation will receive $682,500 to design and upgrade the Grant Narrows Marina in Pitt Meadows, a transportation hub for tourists who are canoeing, exploring nature or visiting a local wilderness lodge. Revitalizing the marina will help create and maintain local jobs, attract new and returning visitors, help local businesses grow, and develop future tourism opportunities. Similarly, the Cheam First Nation will receive $669,619 to renovate the Cheam Longhouse in Rosedale, a focal point in the community. The renovations will help the Cheam First Nation accommodate seasonal faith-based ceremonies, cultural and educational workshops, and meetings.
Projects like these help communities and businesses across British Columbia welcome visitors from near and far, improve community wellness, create jobs, and grow the local economy. Communities across the province will benefit from today’s announcement, including Anmore, Salt Spring Island, Agassiz and Rosedale.
For the full list of projects, please see backgrounder here.
This Economic Development Week, the many investments announced by the regional development agencies will strengthen our communities, create jobs, improve quality of life and lay the groundwork for a strong economic future — for all Canadians.