A new BC Stats report released today shows British Columbia’s technology sector continues to thrive and make significant contributions to the provincial economy.

In 2013, B.C. surpassed milestones with increased revenues, exports and international shipping.

The report, Profile of the British Columbia High Technology Sector: 2014 Edition, indicates B.C.’s technology sector performed well in 2013 and remains a top provincial performer. B.C.’s business and employment growth, and the manufacturing sector’s tech gross domestic product (GDP) all contributed to B.C.’s success in 2013.

The release of this report further cements that the BC Jobs Plan is working, with employment in the technology sector rising 1.4%, providing work for almost 87,000 British Columbians.

B.C.’s supportive business environment and internationally recognized talent pool attracts major companies ─ such as Sony, Amazon and Animal Logic ─ that all call B.C. their home, contributing to the province’s success.

To keep B.C.’s economy diverse, strong and growing, since September 2011 the BC Jobs Plan has been building on the strengths of the province’s most competitive sectors, utilizing its educated and skilled workforce.

Quotes:

Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services ─

“British Columbia’s technology sector continues to exceed expectations, and this report provides a clear understanding of its positive impact and the role it plays in our province.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training ─

“This report clearly shows the importance of tech jobs in our province and the key role that this sector plays in our strong, diverse economy. This is the third consecutive year that we have seen job growth and that is why the technology sector is a critical component of our BC Jobs Plan.”

Greg Caws, president and CEO, BC Innovation Council (BCIC) ─

“As B.C.’s tech sector continues to grow, it is playing an important role in the provincial economy. Innovative companies in digital media, biotechnology and clean tech help to position B.C. tech among the best in the world.”

Report highlights include:

• B.C.’s technology sector makes a significant direct contribution to the provincial economy in terms of jobs and economic output, and also delivers indirect benefits across all sectors.
• B.C.’s technology businesses grew for the second consecutive year, with an additional 728 net new businesses emerging - a growth of 8.1% over the previous year.
• In total, B.C. now has 9,738 technology businesses with employees in the province.
• Employment in B.C.’s technology sector climbed for the third consecutive year, rising 1.4% to 86,800.
• The tech sector employs approximately 4.4% of BC’s work force – contributing 6.5% of provincial GDP.
• Revenues in the tech sector increased 5.2% to $23.3 billion.
• For the first time, British Columbia’s international shipping of tech goods exceeded $1 billion.
• Vancouver remains among the most desirable places to live in the world, ranking first in the Americas for quality of life.

Learn More:

Profile of the British Columbia High Technology Sector: 2014 Edition:
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/BusinessIndustry/HighTechnology.aspx

Media Contacts:

Joanne Whittier
Communications Manager
Ministry of Technology, Innovation
and Citizens’ Services
250 387-0172