Delivering prosperity, good jobs for B.C., Canada

Press Release

Nov. 17, 2025

VICTORIA

Summary

• Sets a 10-year vision to strengthen B.C. and Canada’s economy and grow key industries
• Aims to secure $200 billion in private sector investment in major projects over the next decade
• Doubles skilled trades training funding by 2028-29

Government has launched Look West, a strategic plan to deliver major projects faster, expand skills training and grow key sectors to strengthen B.C.’s economy, creating good jobs and opportunities for people and businesses, and benefiting all of Canada.

“British Columbia can get big things done – which is why our province is vastly overrepresented in the list of major projects Ottawa is fast-tracking,” said Premier David Eby. “This plan sets big goals as we make B.C. the economic powerhouse of Canada to create great jobs and drive prosperity in every corner of the province.”

Look West rises to the challenges brought on by U.S. tariffs. The strategy sets a 10-year vision to strengthen B.C.’s economy, including continuing work to speed up permitting and diversify key sectors, so B.C.’s economy is less reliant on the United States.

Delivering nation-building projects

Look West positions B.C. to work collaboratively with the Government of Canada as it invests billions of dollars to secure Canada’s sovereignty. B.C. is ready to seize opportunities to deliver more nation-building projects, from national defence to shovel-ready infrastructure.

The plan ensures people and businesses in British Columbia are first in line to seize the unprecedented jobs and economic opportunities these projects will bring to communities.

Focusing on core priorities

Look West will help people in British Columbia succeed and is focused on three core priorities.

• Building on B.C.’s strengths: Training up and growing B.C.’s skilled workforce to deliver major projects and create new jobs and opportunities for people.
• Generating growth through major projects: Speeding up permitting and delivering big projects that generate good jobs and economic growth quicker.
• Moving B.C. forward: Delivering sector action plans to diversify and balance B.C.’s economy, from critical minerals and tech and life sciences to defence-related industries, marine and aerospace.

“In B.C., we know what it takes to succeed. We’ve outperformed economically time and time again,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “This strategy leverages B.C.’s strengths and ongoing work to be the economic engine of Canada, lead on nation-building major projects, create good jobs and skills-training opportunities for people, and grow key sectors that are driving economic growth into the future.”

Growing targeted sectors

Look West aims to grow the sectors that will make our economy most resilient going forward with detailed sector-by-sector action plans.

• Target sectors include marine, aerospace, construction, innovation, life sciences, AI and quantum computing, agriculture and food processing, trade and logistics infrastructure, and the critical minerals and energy the world needs.
• It positions B.C. to secure additional federal investments in major projects, infrastructure and national defence.

Strengthening workforce to deliver major projects

• Look West focuses on strengthening B.C.’s workforce by investing in skills training, including doubling trades training funding by 2028-29. This investment helps ensure B.C. has the skilled workers needed to deliver major projects quicker and is necessary to achieve the target of securing $200 billion in private-sector investment over the next decade.
• This approach directly responds to feedback from industry and investors who say the availability of a skilled workforce is a critical factor when making investment decisions.

Advancing initial actions

As initial actions in the strategy, the Province will:

• invest more than $10 million through the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund to increase production and offer new product lines at Mangrove Lithium, COTA Aviation, Galcon Precast, Grosso Precast and CCI Circuits, with more direct business support to be announced in the weeks and months ahead
• contribute $33 million to Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub at University of British Columbia to help innovative businesses develop vaccines and improve readiness for future pandemics, supporting a domestic supply chain in B.C.
• setting up a K-12 advisory committee to explore the integration of AI platforms and skills acquisitions into the school systems to encourage early exposure and skills development
• enhancing the collaboration between the Quantum Algorithms Institute and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation to advance post-quantum readiness and further support quantum preparedness throughout B.C. and Canada’s business ecosystems

B.C. has the resources Canada and the world need, the infrastructure and coastal ports to deliver them to market, and the skilled people and regulatory framework to complete major projects, which will drive gross domestic product (GDP) growth and create jobs.

Learn More:

• Read the full Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada strategy here: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
• Learn about the other ways the Province is building a stronger B.C. economy here: https://gov.bc.ca/StrongEconomy
• Learn about the historic investment in skills training here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/33029

Five backgrounders follow.

Contacts:

Office of the Premier
Media Relations
Premier.Media@gov.bc.ca

Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth
Media Relations
250 880-5179

BACKGROUNDER 1

What people are saying about Look West:

Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills –

“With Look West, we’re investing in people, because a strong economy starts with a skilled and resilient workforce. Doubling provincial funding for trades training will open doors for thousands of British Columbians to pursue high-demand careers, support major projects and help build the future of our province. This strategy is about creating opportunities, strengthening communities and ensuring B.C. is ready to lead in a changing world.”

Alex Rueben, executive director, Association of British Columbia Marine Industries –

“As representatives of British Columbia’s industrial marine sector, we applaud the B.C. government’s new Look West Industrial and Economic Strategy. The province’s marine sector will have an important role to play in this strategy as our association and sector continues to enhance the skills and capabilities of our workforce, drive growth and innovation in our often world-leading products and services and build on opportunities and diversify our exports into offshore new markets. Through this strategy, we seek to build on and leverage on our proven abilities in shipbuilding, maintenance repair and overhaul, marine products and ocean technologies, as well as play a significant role in contributing to Canada’s sovereignty through the broad spectrum of our growing capabilities and capacities.”

James Donaldson, CEO, BC Food & Beverage –

“I’m very pleased to see agriculture and food processing included in the Look West Industrial and Economic Strategy. Our industry is not only a major economic driver for British Columbia, but it also provides the essential benefit of feeding people across our province and around the world.”

Jill Tipping, president and CEO, BC Tech Association –

“BC Tech welcomes Look West, the government’s plan to strengthen B.C.’s economy. Technology is a key economic sector for B.C., contributing to much of the private-sector job growth in the past decade. We’re excited to continue that job growth, create more billion-dollar B.C. tech unicorns and leverage technology and innovation to strengthen and accelerate every part of B.C.’s economy.”

Robert Phillips, political executive, First Nations Summit –

“First Nations are a largely under-tapped resource as it relates to the current demand in British Columbia for skilled workers. A strategy that supports the increased involvement of First Nations individuals in skills training will, in the long run, be of enormous benefit to both First Nations communities and the provincial economy. Reconciliation and economic growth are not incompatible, they go hand in hand. So, it is important to mention when it comes to major projects in B.C. that the provincial government must engage with First Nations title and rights holders to obtain the free prior and informed consent for projects in their respective territories.”

Peter Cowan, president and CEO, Innovate BC –

“B.C.’s innovation economy is built on the strength of our people, our ideas and our ability to adapt. This strategy reinforces those strengths by creating the conditions that allow companies in high-growth sectors to scale, attract investment and create meaningful opportunities for British Columbians. It’s a strong step toward a more resilient and competitive future for our province, one that positions B.C. to lead in the industries that will define the next decade.”

Wendy Hurlburt, president and CEO, Life Sciences British Columbia –

“We support British Columbia’s Look West strategy and its investments in skills development and priority provincial sectors, including life sciences. As Canada’s fastest-growing life sciences sector, we remain committed to working with government to create high-quality employment, strengthen British Columbia’s economic competitiveness and advance innovative health technologies for patients and communities.”

Dr. Paul Terry, CEO, Photonic, Inc. –

“We’re pleased to see the Province of British Columbia advancing its Look West Industrial and Economic Strategy, including highlighting quantum technologies as a priority. We welcome continued dialogue as these initiatives take shape.”

Louise Turner, CEO, Quantum Algorithms Institute –

“British Columbia is a world leader in quantum research and in commercializing quantum technologies. The Quantum Algorithms Institute (QAI) strongly supports the selection of Quantum and AI as a strategic sector in B.C.’s industrial strategy. We are proud to collaborate across B.C.’s quantum ecosystem on practical, real-world initiatives, including our work with British Columbia Investment Management Corporation on post-quantum readiness.”

Lisa Lambert, CEO, Quantum Industry Canada –

“B.C. has earned its reputation as Canada’s Quantum Coast, where leading researchers, innovators and companies are building the future. Look West strengthens this momentum and signals that the province is committed to growing the industries that will define the next generation of prosperity and resilience.”

Mark Podlasly, CEO, First Nations Major Projects Coalition –

“Look West provides a clearer direction for how British Columbia plans to advance major projects. Improvements to permitting, workforce capacity and sector planning will help create the predictability these developments rely on. That stability matters for the growing number of major projects that include First Nations ownership or financial participation because it strengthens long-term planning and investment decisions.”

Gavin McGarrigle, western regional director, Unifor –

“Tomorrow’s good jobs require strong education and training. We welcome the commitment to double B.C.’s support for trades training to ensure that our economy remains diverse and responsive to future transitions.”

Scott Lunny, director, Western Canada, United Steelworkers Union –

“Look West is a smart, forward-looking plan that puts working people at the centre of B.C.’s economic future. Investments in skills training, accelerating natural resource and major project development and diversifying into emerging sectors like clean energy and critical minerals are exactly the kinds of commitments workers have been calling for. B.C. is positioning itself to create good, family-supporting jobs for decades to come.”

Susanne Skidmore, president, BC Federation of Labour –

“I’m excited to see the first priority in Look West is to invest in the engine of B.C.’s economy: working people. By focusing on training and growing a highly skilled workforce, we’ll be ready to make the most of the opportunities a changing global economy has to offer. And we’ll be opening doors to great, long-term careers in the skilled trades for a new generation of B.C. workers.”

Brynn Bourke, executive director, BC Building Trades –

“With this plan, the Province is making a historic investment in our trades-training system. This funding will provide the resources we need to train the skilled workforce necessary to build the major projects our province is counting on. The BC Building Trades stands ready to work with the government to seize this opportunity and build B.C. together.”

Lisa Baiton, president and CEO, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers –

“The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers congratulates the Government of British Columbia on its Look West Industrial and Economic Strategy. We believe this commitment to developing major projects is an important signal to the investment community, which will help drive market diversification and strengthen economic growth. Our industry has long been a central plank of the province’s economy, and this is an important step that, coupled with improved regulatory approval processes and timelines, will unlock growth potential, create skilled jobs, advance indigenous economic reconciliation and responsibly grow prosperity for British Columbians.”

Tristan Goodman, president and CEO, The Explorers and Producers Association of Canada –

“B.C.’s Look West Strategy sends an important signal that the Province is taking action to harness British Columbia’s competitive advantages, create new jobs and grow the province’s diverse businesses sectors. The strategy supports opportunities for B.C. to develop its liquefied natural gas sector by attracting new investment and advancing partnerships with Indigenous Nations.”

Shelley Gray, CEO, SkilledTradesBC –

“Trade workers are the backbone of our communities and economic prosperity. This historic investment in apprenticeship training allows SkilledTradesBC to continue building upon the momentum toward our vision of an inclusive, world-class skilled trades workforce that meets the need of British Columbians.”

Alexa Young, vice president, government relations and external affairs, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority –

“As Canada and B.C. take action to double exports to non-U.S. markets in the next decade, B.C.’s new industrial strategy rightfully acknowledges the critical role our ports will play in delivering more of the products Canadians make, mine, harvest and grow to more customers around the world.  Indo-Pacific markets are on track to represent 50% of global GDP by 2040. We look forward to working with the B.C. government on prioritizing getting major projects built, including Roberts Bank Terminal 2, to not only create tens of thousands of jobs here at home but also unlock $2 billion in new container trade capacity, so B.C. and Canadian businesses know they have the infrastructure they need to sell and ship what they make to billions of new customers.”

Christina Zacharuk, CEO, Research Universities’ Council of BC

“The Look West strategy sets out a bold, shared vision for strengthening B.C.’s innovation ecosystem and enhancing the province’s global competitiveness. The Research Universities’ Council of B.C. is proud to support the research universities in partnering with the Province and industry working together to advance innovation in established and emerging technologies that fuel economic growth.”

Bea Bruske, president, Canadian Labour Congress –

“B.C.’s Look West strategy shows what real leadership for working people looks like. Investing in skills, speeding up nation-building projects and growing sectors that provide long-term family- and community-supporting jobs is the path to economic security. At a time of global uncertainty, governments at every level should be following B.C.’s example: put workers first, strengthen communities and build an economy that works for people.”

David Novitski, director of government relations and funding, Mangrove Lithium –

“The B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund’s support for our new lithium refinery is critical in establishing made-in-Canada battery materials, strengthening our supply-chain security and helping power up to 25,000 electric vehicles a year. This investment positions B.C. at the forefront of clean technology, reducing reliance on foreign refining, while driving economic growth in the province by creating more than 50 full-time positions in the Lower Mainland.”

Kyle Kusznieryk, CEO, COTA Aviation –

“Support from the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund is enabling COTA Aviation to expand production capacity, invest in advanced equipment and create high-value aerospace jobs in British Columbia. This investment strengthens our role in the national defence supply chain and supports long-term growth in precision manufacturing and skilled employment within the province’s aerospace and industrial sectors.”

Ernie Galavan, general manager, Galcon Precast –

“Galcon Precast, a family-owned business located in Duncan, specializes in manufacturing and supplying precast concrete products that play a key role in supporting B.C. communities with essential stormwater and wastewater infrastructure. With this funding, we are expanding our production so that we can help modernize aging infrastructure systems and build resilient infrastructure in B.C.”

Chris Lutters, president, Grosso Precast –

“With 50 years of precast concrete behind us, Grosso Precast is looking into the future with the help of the B.C. Manufacturing Job Fund to modernize our batching system, increase our capacity and double the square footage of the plant. The funding allows Grosso Precast to create more sustainable full-time jobs within the Cariboo, expand our product line and increase our quality and production to meet our customers’ needs throughout B.C.”

Dr. Sharmila Anandasabapathy, vice-president, health, and dean, faculty of medicine, UBC –

“We are grateful for this investment, which will position and strengthen UBC and the B.C. life-sciences sector as an engine for economic growth, skills training and national health security. By supporting research infrastructure and training highly skilled scientists, this funding will build a resilient and competitive biomanufacturing ecosystem together with our health partners, one that can rapidly translate discoveries into solutions for patients here at home and globally.”

Contacts:

Office of the Premier
Media Relations
Premier.Media@gov.bc.ca

Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth
Media Relations
250 880-5179

BACKGROUNDER 2

Building from a strong foundation

Look West focuses on making B.C. the engine of economic growth for Canada. Realizing this requires ambitious actions, focused investment and collaborative partnerships between all levels of government, including First Nations, industry, labour and other partners. The path outlined in this strategy continues the work of StrongerBC, CleanBC, the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan and the Clean and Competitive Industrial Blueprint.

It also builds on work to strengthen public services that are the foundation of a strong economy: affordable child care, more homes people can afford and strong public health care.

These strategies have invested in B.C. workers, the delivery of services citizens deserve, balanced the commitment to sustainability and growth, helped secure major investments and enabled key sectors to continue to grow.

Seeing the results

• Strengthening B.C’s economy – Since 2017, B.C. has Canada’s highest real GDP growth among all large provinces and second only to P.E.I., at nearly 21%.
• Creating good jobs – B.C. is generating Canada’s fastest average wage growth since 2017, growing by over 43% and outpacing inflation over the same period (+26%), building confidence for both workers and employers.
• Private-sector job creation – B.C. generated 165,000 private sector jobs between 2017 and 2024, and so far in 2025, B.C. is second in Canada when it comes to private-sector job creation.
• Investing in infrastructure – B.C.’s electricity grid is 98% renewable, and the Province is investing $36 billion to expand B.C.’s electricity system so communities and business throughout the province have clean, low-cost electricity to grow and attract investment.
• Nation building – Two of five initial major projects announced by the federal government in September 2025 are located in B.C., LNG Canada Phase 2 and the Red Chris Mine Expansion, attracting billions in investment and creating thousands of good jobs. Two additional B.C.-based major projects were announced by the federal government in November 2025, the North Coast Transmission Line and Ksi Lisims LNG.
• Working together with First Nations – Eight of the 10 successful new renewable energy projects for BC Hydro’s Call for Power 2024 have 51% equity ownership by First Nations. BC Hydro engaged extensively with First Nations on the design for 2024 and 2025 call for power.
• Attracting record-high capital investment – It has grown 107.9% since 2017, well ahead of the national average (62%), Ontario (83.1%) and Alberta (31%). B.C. is attracting investment in big, economy-boosting projects, with more than 1,000 major projects under construction.
• Bringing projects online quicker – Land and water applications related to housing, connectivity, and electrification priority initiatives were accelerated by 53% from an average of 322 days to 152 days to reach completion. There has been an overall 13% reduction in natural resources ministries application turnaround times across water, land, wildlife, contaminated sites, regional mining, forestry and archaeology permits.
• Diversifying our economy – 53% of B.C. exports went to the U.S. in 2024, compared to 77% Canada-wide. B.C. accounted for just 5.4% ($29.3 billion) of Canada’s $541.2 billion in exports to the U.S. in 2024.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions – B.C.’s net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions declined by 2.2% between 2007 and 2022, while real GDP grew by 41%, compared to the national average of 27%. The net GHG intensity of the economy (emissions per unit of GDP) fell by 30.5% during that same period.

Seeing growth in key sectors

• B.C. has one of the fastest growing tech sectors in Canada. There are more than 12,000 tech companies here, generating good jobs for nearly 200,000 people and contributing $27 billion to B.C.’s GDP. More billion-dollar unicorn companies have come out of B.C. last year than anywhere else in Canada.
• In clean energy, the next decade will bring tens of thousands of jobs, including electricians, pipefitters, engineers and researchers. Mining and critical minerals projects represent more than $50 billion in potential investment. That positions Canada as a global supplier of responsibly sourced resources.
• Over the last seven years, B.C. has benefited from thousands of jobs generated by over $100 billion in industrial projects. This includes the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion, Coastal Gas Link pipeline, LNG Canada Phase 1 and Site C. Natural resources are both a natural endowment and a competitive advantage for B.C. and create a high number of direct and indirect family-supporting jobs.
• B.C. manufacturing jobs increased by 6.4% in the first nine months of 2025, second only to New Brunswick. The scope of manufacturing in the province is vast, with 20,000 manufacturing businesses generating approximately $16 billion in GDP and supporting more than 180,000 jobs.
• British Columbia’s life-sciences sector is growing. There are more than 2,000 companies and the sector employs close to 20,000 people in the province. Through the award-winning life sciences and biomanufacturing strategy, government has committed $737 million to life-sciences initiatives and leveraged more than $1.2 billion in federal funding and private investment.
• B.C.’s construction industry has grown faster than most other industries, with its economic output rising 37% from 2017 to 2024. In 2024, more than 190,000 people worked in construction, earning an average of $38.22/hour, which is $6.54 more than the B.C. average. B.C. built more homes per person than the national average every year from 2017 to 2024

Contacts:

Office of the Premier
Media Relations
Premier.Media@gov.bc.ca

Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth
Media Relations
250 880-5179

BACKGROUNDER 3

Accelerating projects to power B.C.’s economy

Work to seize new opportunities and strengthen B.C.’s economy is underway:

• breaking ground on 18 major projects representing $20 billion in spending and 8,000 jobs, with more projects on the way
• accelerating permitting and expediting new and expanded critical mineral projects in B.C. representing approximately $40 billion in capital investment and more than 20,000 jobs during construction and 15,000 during operations
• focused expansion of B.C. energy production capacity, including production of 1.3 billion litres of renewable fuel each year by 2030.
• generating clean low-cost clean electricity to drive economic growth, a $36-billion investment creating 10,000 jobs
• growing B.C.’s skilled workforce to build major projects and fuel expansion in key sectors, 75% of B.C. workers have post-secondary education, making the province home to one of the best-educated workforces in the world
• diversifying the economy and fueling innovation to increase jobs and GDP contribution by the tech sector by more than 25%

Contacts:

Office of the Premier
Media Relations
Premier.Media@gov.bc.ca

Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth
Media Relations
250 880-5179

BACKGROUNDER 4

Boosting manufacturing sector and jobs across British Columbia

To support key sectors of growth through the Look West economic plan, the Province is helping the following manufacturing businesses grow their operations and create and protect good jobs in B.C. through the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund.

• Mangrove Lithium (Delta) processes raw lithium feedstocks to be used for battery production through their patented technology. It will receive as much as $3 million toward its capital project of building Canada’s first independent lithium refining facility and help create a local supply of critical minerals required for battery manufacturing. This project will create 55 jobs.
• COTA Aviation Ltd. (Parksville) specializes in design, manufacturing and training for Canada’s defence and commercial aerospace sectors. It will receive as much as $2.7 million to purchase and install advanced manufacturing equipment that will significantly scale up its operations and increase production of commercial and military aircraft components. This project is helping strengthen COTA’s position in B.C.’s and Canada’s aerospace industry while creating 22 skilled jobs.
• Galcon Precast Ltd. (Duncan) is a precast concrete manufacturer that supports local infrastructure and building projects. It will receive as much as $2.6 million to construct a new concrete batch plant that will allow for increased production, expansion into new product lines and servicing of major infrastructure projects while creating 10 jobs.
• Grosso Precast Ltd. (Williams Lake) manufactures civil precast concrete products. It will receive as much as $1.4 million to increase production and diversify product lines, while creating 11 jobs to better serve northern B.C.’s growing demand for infrastructure investments and major projects.
• CCI Circuits Inc. (Surrey) manufactures printed circuit boards for high-end equipment in a range of sectors, including aerospace, military and defence. It will receive as much as $355,000 to purchase advanced equipment that will increase production and offer a new product line, while creating 15 jobs.

Since 2023, the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund has committed more than $153 million to 155 capital projects, unlocking more than $1 billion in private-sector and other public investments, and is creating and protecting more than 4,800 jobs.

Contacts:

Office of the Premier
Media Relations
Premier.Media@gov.bc.ca

Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth
Media Relations
250 880-5179

BACKGROUNDER 5

Driving innovation in B.C.’s life-sciences sector

To position B.C.’s life-sciences sector, the Province is investing $33 million to support four advanced-research facilities at Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub. This initiative is led by the University of British Columbia (UBC), in partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU).

This investment from the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund will enhance Canada’s pandemic preparedness with a goal of delivering solutions in 100 days or less. This will strengthen the Province’s and the country’s self-sufficiency by reducing reliance on foreign supply chains for critical medicines, while creating high-quality jobs.

The new facilities will also equip students with high-demand life-sciences skills, attract world-class researchers and technicians, and foster innovation and collaboration. The four facilities are as follows:

• Advanced therapeutics manufacturing facility (funding: $22 million, UBC). The first of its kind in Western Canada, this 2,300-square-metre facility will enable researchers and biotech startups to develop and manufacture treatments for a range of disorders, from infectious diseases to cancer.
• Advanced LNP RNA Vaccines Engineered with Next-Generation designs to Enhance pandemic Readiness (AVENGER) project (funding: $3.15 million, UBC; $301,000, SFU). Researchers at UBC and SFU will develop a vaccine library that can be quickly adapted to fight future pandemics and other diseases.
• Pathogen Response Optimization by GENeratIng ThErapeutics Rationally (PROGENITER) project (funding: $6 million, UBC; $870,000, SFU). Using advanced imaging and AI, teams at UBC and SFU will create ready-to-use antibody treatments for viruses such as COVID-19 and bird flu.
• The Bridge Research Consortium (funding: $423,000, SFU). This project will bring together experts from across Canada to study how to build public trust in vaccines and immune-supporting innovations.

Contacts:

Office of the Premier
Media Relations
Premier.Media@gov.bc.ca

Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth
Media Relations
250 880-5179

ILR5