VICTORIA – The BC New Democrat Government recently released the StrongerBC Economic Plan, and today government announced new investments in life sciences and biomanufacturing as a part of the overall plan.
The StrongerBC Economic Plan lays out how we will make life better for British Columbians, with an emphasis on addressing inequality and climate change.
But don’t take our word for it. Read what leaders across the province have to say about the new plan:
“Thanks to support from BCIT, the provincial government, and industry partners, there will be more educational opportunities to support students, like myself, in becoming innovators for the trades industry.”
– Shaquille Davis, BCIT Level 4 Carpentry Apprentice, Feb. 17, 2022
“The Stronger B.C. Economic Plan presents a clear vision for post-pandemic prosperity and economic recovery. Access to talent is the number one barrier to growth facing Canadian scale-ups. Today’s plan to modernize skills training and future-ready our workforce lays the groundwork to overcome that barrier.”
– Tessa Seager, Director of Government Affairs (BC) at Council of Canadian Innovators, Feb. 17, 2022
“Finding economic success in the region will require our region’s leaders to invest in our people, catalyze innovation, build capacity in key industries, and position our region for success in a global market. I am pleased to see our provincial leaders put forward a strong, carefully considered economic plan that supports those strategies.”
– Sav Dhaliwal, Chair of Metro Vancouver Board of Directors and City of Burnaby Councilor, Feb. 17, 2022
“Congrats @jjhorgan and @KahlonRav on BC’s new economic plan! Great to see a strong emphasis on inclusion, reconciliation, and sustainability. Excited to work with the government to advance these goals and build on #UBC’s contributions to an innovative economy.”
– Santa J. Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC, Feb. 17, 2022
“I’m all-in supporting @bcndp economic plan as it’s grounded in precisely what I worked on to advance in @BCLegislature from 2013 to 2020. Unlike those mired in a partisan quagmire, I’ve no problem supporting what I believe to be good policy no matter where it comes from.”
– Andrew Weaver, Professor at University of Victoria, former MLA for Oak Bay-Gordan Head, Feb. 17, 2022
“An economy only succeeds when it works for everyone. But past governments shut out the people at the heart of our economy: the workers whose imagination, skills and dedication allow BC to thrive…This is a promising sign that the BC government understands a crucial truth: that economies should work for everyone — especially the workers whose labour drives their success — with a view to justice, reconciliation and a sustainable future.”
– BC Federation of Labour, Feb. 18, 2022
“I’d like to thank Premier Horgan and Minister Kahlon for developing the StrongerBC Economic Plan that lays the ground for a resilient and inclusive economy where wealth and opportunity are broadly shared. I’m also appreciative that the government consulted with local governments in the development of this plan. It’s good to see that the plan recognizes that creating an innovative, sustainable wellbeing economy is only possible with more affordable housing, increased access to childcare, and closing the inequality gap.”
– Lisa Helps, Mayor of Victoria, BC, Feb. 17, 2022
“The business community is aligned and committed to making progress on the central themes of StrongerBC – inclusive and clean growth. We are focused on increasing diversity and inclusion and ensuring that B.C. is positioned as an ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investment destination of choice.”
– Bridgitte Anderson. President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, Feb. 17, 2022
“The Surrey Board of Trade looks forward to continuing on economic projects with this plan. We were pleased to hear about investments in skills training, childcare, housing, tourism, schools, hospitals, and transportation investments.”
– Anita Huberman, President & CEO of Surrey Board of Trade. Business in Surrey, Feb. 17, 2022
“Many BC tech companies are on hiring sprees, so it’s great to see so much investment in training that builds talent from within. Can’t wait to check out the $136.6-million Trades and Technology Complex on BCIT’s campus.”
– Kathleen Reid, founder and CCO of Switchboard PR, Feb. 18, 2022
“BC’s latest labour market outlook projects the tech and health care sectors will create most of the new jobs in BC in the next 10 years. Good to see today’s economic plan address skills training to enable more British Columbians to take advantage of the great tech jobs across BC.”
– Jill Tipping, President & CEO of BC Tech, Feb. 17, 2022
“With over 365 registered Metis Businesses across BC, we are eager to work with the government on implementing their plan for economic development, innovation and cutting-edge technological growth.”
– Louis De Jaeger, Minister of Economic Development, Metis Nation British Columbia (MNBC), Feb. 18, 2022
“We support the plan’s announced direction to measure the economy in ways that go beyond GDP, deeper into well-being indicators such as affordable housing, post-secondary training and poverty reduction, […] as well as establishing an Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Centre of Excellence that will deepen B.C.’s socially-progressive economy and integrate it into the rapidly expanding global ESG investment market.”
– Emilie de Rosenroll, CEO of South Island Prosperity Partnership, Feb. 17, 2022
“Congratulations to @AndrewMercierBC @jjhorgan @KahlonRav @AnneKangMLA on the launch of BC’s new economic plan StrongerBC. @uvic stands ready to work with government to help deliver a strong, innovative, clean and inclusive economy for everyone.”
– Kevin Hall, President of UVic, Feb. 17, 2022
“The BCGEU supports the goals, missions, and principles that give shape to the Stronger BC Economic Plan, and we look forward to seeing more details on specific measures and initiatives in government’s budget being released next week.”
– BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), Feb. 17, 2022
“Our colleges are delighted to be recognized in today’s launch of B.C.’s Economic Plan and we look forward to continuing our work together to meet B.C.’s employment training needs.”
– BC Colleges, Feb. 17, 2022
“Many, many opportunities for post-secondary and colleges in particular to support and lead economic recovery in BC. So many remarkable futures for students.”
– Angus Graeme, President & CEO of Selkirk College, Feb. 18, 2022
Learn more: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/plan