The health and safety of employees and communities has always been important to British Columbia’s mining sector, where the standards for safe practices are among the highest in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the industry to take even greater measures to prevent transmission, protect workers and maintain safe operations to keep British Columbians working.Mining in B.C. Builds Community May is Mining Month in British Columbia. This year the industry moved events to an online format to continue building community relationships safely. Events included awards for Mining Person of the Year, Women in Mining and Mining... continue reading

With more than 300 life sciences companies operating throughout the province, British Columbia has a vibrant health sector offering investment opportunities in diverse products and services. The industry in British Columbia is at the forefront of developments in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, medical devices and medical technology. With the government and community support that is integral to the industry culture of British Columbia, the life sciences sector is making strides in the fight against COVID-19. The COVID-19 crisis has created enhanced medical needs, which have spurred innovation in life sciences in British Columb... continue reading

The ability to pivot in times of crisis demonstrates British Columbia’s resilience and ingenuity. In British Columbia, government, industry associations, companies and research universities are working together to overcome the challenges of the current global pandemic. We have compiled a selection of examples of the versatility and innovation emerging to support the people and businesses of this province.    Government Supports People, Business The provincial and federal governments are building complimentary programs to streamline regulations and services. The provincial response highlights one of the fundamen... continue reading

With the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) affecting business operations globally, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia have implemented measures to ensure continued access to goods and services. Notably, essential travel, including that associated with goods and services remain open. Supply chains must closely adhere to recommended health and safety measures to continue operating. There are resources available to businesses to ensure continued trade. Exporters are supported by organizations like Small Business BC, who have created resources for businesses impacted by the virus and compiled lists of r... continue reading

The Northeast region of British Columbia is characterized by rural communities and picturesque landscapes. This region is bordered by the Yukon and Northwest Territories in the north, the Rocky Mountains to the west and Alberta to the east. A strong, established history of industrial success in natural resources and a diversifying economy provide diverse investment opportunities. The Northeast is one of the fastest-growing regions in British Columbia thanks to the rapid development of the energy sector and currently boasts the province's highest rate of employment and demand for workers. Wind energy and hydro power are key i... continue reading

As the second-largest region in the province, Nechako is an area of vast wilderness and vibrant communities full of resource and business development potential. It extends from the centre of the province up to the Yukon border and is separated from the Northeast region by the Rocky Mountains. The landscape is dotted with thousands of lakes, rugged mountains, glaciers, valleys and plateaus and is home to bears, caribou and moose. Natural resources, particularly mining and forestry, play a critical role in the area's economy and many companies are actively exploring for minerals in the area. As the region has grown in populari... continue reading

Bordering the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia’s North Coast region is rich with forests, mountains and rugged coastlines. This is where the breath-taking scenery of the North Coast combines with quality outdoor recreational attractions, a robust transportation hub and deep-water container port in Prince Rupert, an abundance of natural resources, and countless business development opportunities related to ongoing port development and expanding new sectors. Historically, commercial fishing, logging and mining have been very important to the economy of the North Coast. The economy has begun to diversify in recent years as a r... continue reading

British Columbia has a strong and stable environment for startups, in part due to the ambitious collaborations between incubators, accelerators and universities. They all have an interest in growing the next generation of successes and are pooling their knowledge and resources to make it happen. Relationships with university startups are driven partly by practical financial considerations such as shared space and resources; startups focused on deep tech sectors and research-intensive areas in British Columbia can obtain a credit of up to 45% of R&D expenses. At the University of British Columbia (UBC), the University-Indust... continue reading

British Columbia’s exports bring money into the province to sustain and grow new local ventures and allow our people quality of life items including travel and goods and services from overseas. Exporting also allows businesses to grow to their fullest potential and expand beyond the domestic market. Trade and Invest British Columbia supports this growth through tools and services to bring companies towards export readiness and help determine when they are export ready. Programs like Export Navigator guide B.C. businesses through developing export plans, financing the shift, readying the required systems for shipping and pa... continue reading

Economic growth and environmental awareness are building demand for the copper used in clean technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), solar and wind power. This global shift towards greener economies is stimulating growth in British Columbia’s mining industry. Here on Canada’s west coast, the mountains and river valleys hold minerals the world needs for technology, innovation and society’s transition to a lower carbon future.    Canada has the world’s 10th-largest copper reserves and production, and was the world’s eighth-largest producer in 2016. British Columbia produces over half ... continue reading