Northern British Columbia’s businesses and communities are facing the pressures of a rapidly shifting global economy, but a new round of federal investment is aimed at helping the region turn those challenges into opportunities for growth.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $11 million in ten businesses and organizations across Northern B.C., targeting productivity, jobs, skills development and economic diversification. The funding includes support for advanced manufacturing and forestry—industries particularly exposed to tariffs, changing trade conditions and supply chain disruptions.
The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced the investments in Prince George, framing them as both a response to immediate trade pressures and an investment in the region’s longer-term economic potential.
“Northern B.C. businesses, workers and communities are vital to Canada’s economic strength. These investments will help businesses improve productivity, strengthen supply chains and reach new markets, while expanding skills and economic opportunities in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. By responding to today’s trade pressures and investing in the North’s long-term potential, we are supporting good jobs, growing businesses, and building a stronger Canadian economy,” Robertson said.
Among the recipients is Prince George-based Open Waters Solar, a manufacturer of impact-resistant solar panels designed for marine and transportation applications. The company is receiving $450,000 from PacifiCan to automate manufacturing processes, upgrade its facility and train employees, allowing it to increase production capacity and efficiency.
For Open Waters Solar, the investment is also intended to help take Canadian-made clean technology further into international markets.
“We are grateful for PacifiCan’s support, which enables Open Waters Solar to scale manufacturing of our breakthrough technology, drive productivity through automation, attract investment, and create high-paying jobs in Northern BC. This funding positions us to expand our reach in European markets and compete on a global scale,” said Tony Olynyk, Chief Commercial Officer, Open Waters Solar.
The federal funding extends beyond manufacturing. Portland Canal Terminals LP, a Stewart-based port operator and Indigenous-led partnership, is receiving $672,134 for engineering studies and planning related to the modernization and expansion of the Port of Stewart. The work is expected to strengthen supply chain infrastructure, support critical minerals exports and create economic opportunities in Northwest B.C. and Indigenous communities.
In Kitwanga, the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Association will receive $1.6 million to construct a multi-functional trades training centre and food hub serving Indigenous learners from rural and remote communities. The project will expand trades and entrepreneurship training while supporting food security and new employment and business opportunities.
The investments arrive as Ottawa expands its response to international trade disruptions. The federal government recently announced a $7.5-billion package of new and enhanced measures for workers and businesses, including an additional $1.5 billion for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. Businesses in British Columbia will be able to apply for the enhanced program through PacifiCan beginning September 8.
Taken together, the Northern B.C. projects are designed to strengthen local capacity at several points in the economy—from manufacturing floors and transportation infrastructure to workforce training and Indigenous economic participation. The goal is to help businesses and communities manage today’s trade pressures while building a more productive, diversified and resilient regional economy.
