Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, has released the following statement on his trade mission to Portland and San Francisco to explore new opportunities for B.C.:

“I am excited to travel to the United States for the first time in more than two years to showcase economic opportunities in B.C. The pandemic has challenged us in so many ways, including our ability to meet face to face to strengthen and grow our economic relationships with key global partners. This trade mission provides the opportunity to reinforce B.C.’s presence and strong reputation.

“B.C. leads Canada’s economic recovery with more than 100,000 jobs added in 2021. But we are just getting started, and we are committed to looking at new ways to continue to be a world leader in innovation, fighting climate change and building an economy that works for everyone.

“During this three-day trip, I will be taking the StrongerBC Economic Plan everywhere I go. This plan shows the world that our province is ready to tackle some of the biggest challenges many jurisdictions are facing right now, like inequality and the climate crisis. The world needs to know this plan moves our province forward because it invests in our greatest resource in B.C., its people.

“In Portland, I will be promoting B.C.’s world-leading mass timber industry at an international mass timber conference that is bringing together industry experts and investors from around the globe. In San Francisco, I will be meeting with leaders and investors in clean tech, agritech and in the emerging metaverse sector to advance our trade investment relationships.

“On each of my stops, I will speak to B.C.’s strategy to spur growth and attract investment through the StrongerBC Economic Plan. The plan positions B.C. as a global leader in the low-carbon economy by fostering innovation, investing in skills and meeting our climate commitments.

“In B.C., we are at an important moment in time. We're growing a clean and inclusive economy for all British Columbians. Showcasing B.C.'s strengths to the world is a key part of the plan.”

Learn More:

For more information on the StrongerBC Economic Plan, visit:
https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/plan

To read the Mass Timber Action Plan, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/business/construction-industry/bc_masstimber_action_plan_2022.pdf