Latest news with #PacifiCan
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
PacifiCan investment to boost trade and export success for B.C. businesses
Minister Robertson announces $2.5M investment for companies across B.C., highlighting PacifiCan's impact across the Southern Interior KELOWNA, BC, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - As one of Canada's fastest-growing cities, Kelowna, a regional hub in B.C.'s interior, is powered by a diverse economy, a thriving tech sector, and a strong spirit of entrepreneurship. PacifiCan has offices across the province, including Kelowna, supporting the entrepreneurs and innovators driving B.C.'s future. Since 2021, PacifiCan has invested over $47M in 156 projects across the Southern Interior, with over $28M in 65 projects specifically in Kelowna and nearby communities in the Thompson-Okanagan. These investments are fueling key sectors like tech, tourism, and manufacturing – creating well-paying jobs, and helping the region remain a hub of innovation and opportunity. Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of $2.5M to help businesses in Kelowna and throughout B.C. find opportunities for growth in new markets and manage the impacts of tariffs. Through this investment, $1.2 million will allow Community Futures British Columbia (CFBC) to continue delivering the Export Navigator program, which helps B.C. businesses become export-ready. Export Navigator pairs businesses with expert advisors in regions across the province who provide personalized guidance to help them achieve their export goals. To date, Export Navigator has helped more than 1,200 businesses begin their export journey, including 280 businesses in the Thompson-Okanagan alone. This initiative also received $1.2 million from the Province of B.C. The remaining $1.3 million of PacifiCan investment will help CFBC and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) support B.C. businesses as they adjust to a changing economy and meet requirements of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) through two specialized initiatives: $900,000 for CFBC to launch the CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI), delivered through Export Navigator. This initiative will provide expert advisory services and up to $5,000 to help businesses cover the costs of becoming CUSMA compliant. $380,500 for GVBOT to deliver a series of webinars and in-person workshops in six B.C. communities. These sessions will connect businesses with experts, including customs brokers, lawyers and other professionals, who will provide valuable guidance on CUSMA compliance. As the Government of Canada works towards building one Canadian economy, PacifiCan will continue helping businesses across B.C. remove barriers and unlock new trade opportunities. Quotes "British Columbia is home to a powerful ecosystem of innovators and entrepreneurs, including right here in Kelowna. As the global economy evolves, it is essential that British Columbians have the tools they need to succeed. With this investment, PacifiCan is empowering local businesses to tap into new markets, adapt to a changing economy, and thrive in one Canadian economy." -The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "Our Export Navigator program is boosting regional economies and creating new jobs by helping B.C. businesses to expand into markets across Canada and around the world. Together with PacifiCan's timely and far-reaching investments across B.C., we are helping to grow the number and diversity of exporters in the province – key goals in B.C.'s Trade Diversification Strategy – as we navigate the current geopolitical challenges." -The Honourable Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, Province of BC "We're grateful for the meaningful support offered by PacifiCan, which allows Export Navigator to continue helping B.C. businesses succeed in new markets. This important funding to CFBC ensures Export Navigator's ability to provide support for businesses throughout communities in urban and rural British Columbia. CUSMA compliance is a key factor for businesses navigating trade with our US partners. Additional funding for the CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative will assist businesses to access trade consultants and specialists, helping guide them through the complex world of trade." -Kath Britton, Director of Program Operations, Export Navigator "Trade rules and compliance requirements can be a major hurdle for small and medium-sized businesses. With this support from PacifiCan, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and World Trade Centre Vancouver are proud to help businesses across B.C. build the knowledge and confidence they need to preserve market access, reduce risk, and protect sales and revenue." -Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Quick Facts The U.S. is B.C.'s primary export market and represented 57.3% of exports in 2022. For a product to qualify under CUSMA, it must meet certain rules about where and how it was made. Exporters must get a Certificate of Origin to show their product meets these rules. This certificate allows them to get reduced tariffs when trading with the U.S. and Mexico. Since 2019, PacifiCan (and its predecessor, Western Economic Diversification Canada) has provided $4.8M to Export Navigator through two additional projects to help companies across B.C. become export ready and take advantage of international market opportunities. In March 2025, PacifiCan announced $500,000 to help the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade launch their Trade Accelerator Program, which helps companies unleash their export potential. Community Futures British Columbia and its 34 independent member offices are non-profit organizations that support economic growth in rural communities across the province. They are part of PacifiCan's Pacific Business Services Network (PBSN). Associated Links PacifiCan Community Futures British Columbia Export Navigator Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Stay connected Follow PacifiCan on X and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada
Cision Canada
05-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada invests in British Columbia's hydrogen and fuel cell sector
B.C. companies are unlocking new opportunities in global clean tech markets VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - British Columbia is home to Canada's largest hydrogen and fuel cell cluster, powering low-emission energy solutions. With over half of all hydrogen companies in the country and 1,350 full-time workers, B.C. has what it takes to meet global demand in this rapidly growing market. Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of $466,956 in the Canadian Hydrogen Association to expand B.C. hydrogen and fuel cell companies into markets around the world. With this investment, the Canadian Hydrogen Association will help B.C. companies attract investment, seize export opportunities and grow here at home. The association will also showcase B.C. companies on international platforms – including today's hy-fcell International Expo and Conference in Vancouver, where global hydrogen experts come together. This investment was provided through PacifiCan's Regional Innovation Ecosystem program. It will support 40 small- and medium-sized businesses, contributing to jobs and growth here in B.C. and a strong economy for all Canadians. In May 2024, PacifiCan also announced an investment of more than $9.4 million to launch the Clean Hydrogen Hub at Simon Fraser University. The Hub works with partners, including the Canadian Hydrogen Association, to advance hydrogen production and technologies both at home and abroad. Quotes "With clean energy innovation, British Columbians are leading Canada into the hydrogen economy. This investment supports good jobs, lower emissions, and a stronger Canadian economy—built for today and the future." -The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for PacifiCan "British Columbia is well-positioned to become a leading exporter of hydrogen, hydrogen technologies and related services by capitalizing on its world-leading industry and research expertise, proximity to key markets and abundant natural resources. Our sector is grateful to PacifiCan for its support as we accelerate our efforts to expand export of, and investment interest in, BC hydrogen capabilities and products." , Interim President and CEO, Canadian Hydrogen Association PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating good jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout our province. PacifiCan's Regional Innovation Ecosystems program invests across British Columbia, building economic strength that includes underrepresented groups and boosts companies to innovating locally and competing globally. The Canadian Hydrogen Association works to advance the role of hydrogen and hydrogen technology solutions in Canada and abroad, representing over 200 organizations. Associated Links PacifiCan Regional Innovation Ecosystems program Canadian Hydrogen Association hy-fcell Canada 2025 Stay connected Follow PacifiCan on X and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Government of Canada invests in British Columbia's hydrogen and fuel cell sector
B.C. companies are unlocking new opportunities in global clean tech markets VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - British Columbia is home to Canada's largest hydrogen and fuel cell cluster, powering low-emission energy solutions. With over half of all hydrogen companies in the country and 1,350 full-time workers, B.C. has what it takes to meet global demand in this rapidly growing market. Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of $466,956 in the Canadian Hydrogen Association to expand B.C. hydrogen and fuel cell companies into markets around the world. With this investment, the Canadian Hydrogen Association will help B.C. companies attract investment, seize export opportunities and grow here at home. The association will also showcase B.C. companies on international platforms – including today's hy-fcell International Expo and Conference in Vancouver, where global hydrogen experts come together. This investment was provided through PacifiCan's Regional Innovation Ecosystem program. It will support 40 small- and medium-sized businesses, contributing to jobs and growth here in B.C. and a strong economy for all Canadians. In May 2024, PacifiCan also announced an investment of more than $9.4 million to launch the Clean Hydrogen Hub at Simon Fraser University. The Hub works with partners, including the Canadian Hydrogen Association, to advance hydrogen production and technologies both at home and abroad. Quotes "With clean energy innovation, British Columbians are leading Canada into the hydrogen economy. This investment supports good jobs, lower emissions, and a stronger Canadian economy—built for today and the future." -The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for PacifiCan "British Columbia is well-positioned to become a leading exporter of hydrogen, hydrogen technologies and related services by capitalizing on its world-leading industry and research expertise, proximity to key markets and abundant natural resources. Our sector is grateful to PacifiCan for its support as we accelerate our efforts to expand export of, and investment interest in, BC hydrogen capabilities and products." -Nicolas Hilario, Interim President and CEO, Canadian Hydrogen Association Quick Facts PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating good jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout our province. PacifiCan's Regional Innovation Ecosystems program invests across British Columbia, building economic strength that includes underrepresented groups and boosts companies to innovating locally and competing globally. The Canadian Hydrogen Association works to advance the role of hydrogen and hydrogen technology solutions in Canada and abroad, representing over 200 organizations. Associated Links PacifiCan Regional Innovation Ecosystems program Canadian Hydrogen Association hy-fcell Canada 2025 Stay connected Follow PacifiCan on X and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Canada Standard
05-06-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
Government of Canada invests in British Columbia's hydrogen and fuel cell sector
B.C. companies are unlocking new opportunities in global clean tech markets June 5, 2025 - Vancouver, British Columbia - PacifiCan British Columbia is home to Canada's largest hydrogen and fuel cell cluster, powering low-emission energy solutions. With over half of all hydrogen companies in the country and 1,350 full-time workers, B.C. has what it takes to meet global demand in this rapidly growing market. Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of $466,956 in the Canadian Hydrogen Association to expand B.C. hydrogen and fuel cell companies into markets around the world. With this investment, the Canadian Hydrogen Association will help B.C. companies attract investment, seize export opportunities and grow here at home. The association will also showcase B.C. companies on international platforms - including today's hy-fcell International Expo and Conference in Vancouver, where global hydrogen experts come together. This investment was provided through PacifiCan's Regional Innovation Ecosystem program. It will support 40 small- and medium-sized businesses, contributing to jobs and growth here in B.C. and a strong economy for all Canadians. In May 2024, PacifiCan also announced an investment of more than $9.4 million to launch the Clean Hydrogen Hub at Simon Fraser University. The Hub works with partners, including the Canadian Hydrogen Association, to advance hydrogen production and technologies both at home and abroad.
Canada Standard
27-05-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
Government of Canada invests in B.C. tech sector as Canada welcomes the world to Vancouver
On the eve of Web Summit Vancouver, PacifiCan investments showcase Canadian innovation and help position B.C. tech companies for global growth May 26, 2025 - Vancouver, British Columbia - PacifiCan British Columbia is driving Canada's innovation economy as one of the nation's fastest-growing tech powerhouses. With over 12,000 companies employing more than 182,000 highly skilled workers, B.C.'s tech sector punches well above its weight. PacifiCan is fueling B.C.'s dynamic tech ecosystem by championing homegrown innovation and advancing solutions that tackle real-world challenges. In 2023, PacifiCan announced a $9.9 million investment through Innovate BC to launch the Integrated Marketplace, which helps local companies test technologies in real-world environments. Over the past two years, this investment - alongside support provided by the Province of B.C. - has powered over 30 projects that drive innovation, AI adoption, and economic growth across British Columbia. Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced a new investment in the Integrated Marketplace of over $1.8 million to integrate AI innovation into two projects at local testbeds: At Vancouver International Airport, the investment will support the next phase of a project testing self-driving robotic pods designed to help travelers with mobility challenges move around the airport more easily. At the Provincial Health Services Authority, the funding will advance a project that uses AI to analyze digital images of tissue, facilitating the detection and identification of diseases through the digitization of pathology and other cancer diagnosis processes. This is the first investment announced through PacifiCan's Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative. PacifiCan funding for the Integrated Marketplace is helping innovative businesses bring new technologies to market. It is also reducing the risk of adopting made-in-B.C. technologies while keeping intellectual property, talent, and economic benefits in Canada. This announcement comes as B.C. gets ready to host Web Summit Vancouver - the leading global technology conference that is putting a spotlight on Canada's vibrant innovation scene. PacifiCan is investing $6.6 million for Destination Vancouver to host Web Summit in Vancouver for the next three years. This event will provide a launch pad for local innovators, attract international investors and talent, and further strengthen B.C.'s reputation as a leading hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
