Get your booster dose   |   Rapid antigen testing kits are free at pharmacies
Government of B.C. Government of B.C.
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
  • Skip to site search
  • Skip to side bar
  • Skip to footer

BC Gov News

  • Home
  • Ministries
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast
  • Office of the Premier
  • Advanced Education and Skills Training
  • Agriculture and Food
  • Attorney General
  • Children and Family Development
  • Citizens' Services
  • Education and Child Care
  • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
  • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
  • Finance
  • Forests
  • Health
  • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
  • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
  • Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
  • Labour
  • Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
  • Mental Health and Addictions
  • Municipal Affairs
  • Public Safety and Solicitor General
  • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
  • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
  • Transportation and Infrastructure

close menu Office of the Premier

Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM
Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection
A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British Columbians.
  Read More

Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THE PREMIER
More from the Premier
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Premier's Bio

close menu Advanced Education and Skills Training

Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM
New centre to support Indigenous youth
A concept plan for a new Indigenous centre is moving forward on the territories of the Coast Salish peoples in Vancouver.
  Read More

Student housing triples in Abbotsford

May 13, 2022 12:15 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Agriculture and Food

New funding sprouts more growth for B.C. seeds

May 5, 2022 8:15 AM
The Province is increasing support for B.C. seed growers to enhance and expand their operations, bolster food security and create a thriving food economy.
  Read More

B.C. Land Matching Program reaches new milestone

April 13, 2022 9:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Attorney General

Province, mayors co-ordinate investigation into prolific offenders

May 5, 2022 12:50 PM
Making our communities safer
The Province, in co-operation with British Columbia’s Urban Mayors’ Caucus (BCUMC), has hired two experts to investigate and report on prolific offenders and random violent attacks, and the necessary actions.
  Read More

New accessible, affordable homes underway in Vancouver

May 16, 2022 1:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Children and Family Development

Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth

April 20, 2022 11:15 AM
A survey about B.C’s new service approach for children and youth with support needs is now open to the public.
  Read More

Process begins to select family connections centres

May 10, 2022 4:08 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Citizens' Services

BC Data Catalogue improved, updated to serve British Columbians better

May 16, 2022 10:30 AM
From data about wildfires and floods to natural resource and tech-sector insights, finding a wide variety of key information has become easier and more secure for British Columbians with the launch of an improved and updated BC Data Catalogue.
  Read More

Modernized, streamlined registry makes registering personal property easier

April 15, 2022 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Education and Child Care

Kids, families benefit from more funding for accessible school playgrounds

April 29, 2022 11:15 AM
Kids, families benefit from more funding for accessible school playgrounds
More than 7,000 B.C students will have access to new, safe and accessible playgrounds as the Province invests in the Playground Equipment Program (PEP) for the fifth year in a row to support healthy and active lifestyles.
  Read More

Minister’s statement on child care month

May 1, 2022 9:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

British Columbians can access more in EV charger rebates

May 18, 2022 10:05 AM
Better rebates for EV chargers
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses and communities.
  Read More

New oil and gas royalty system ending inefficient subsidies

May 19, 2022 1:15 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C. launches new program to accelerate local climate action

May 16, 2022 10:45 AM
Supporting local climate action
Stronger collaboration, planning and action to reduce climate pollution and build protection for local communities will result from the new CleanBC Local Government Climate Action Program.
  Read More

Earth Day spurs action on plastic pollution

April 22, 2022 2:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Finance

Budget 2022 moves us forward together to build a StrongerBC

February 22, 2022 1:40 PM
Budget 2022 moves us forward together to build a StrongerBC
Budget 2022 reflects the choices government is making that are needed to build a stronger B.C. and make life better for people, by investing in B.C.’s economic, environmental and social strengths.
  Read More

More than $530,000 raised in support of Ukraine

March 22, 2022 8:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Forests

B.C. increases forest revenue sharing with First Nations in step toward new fiscal relationship

April 27, 2022 12:45 PM
Photo of trees with icon of hands and trees in white overtop
Text reads: Doubling First Nation forestry revenue rates
British Columbia is more than doubling the forestry revenues that will be shared with First Nations as part of the work to co-develop a new forestry revenue-sharing model.
  Read More

Forest employment program provides jobs, supports communities

May 13, 2022 11:35 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Health

Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage

April 25, 2022 1:30 PM
Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage
Displaced Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with visas issued under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) will now have access to date-of-arrival Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage.
  Read More

New primary care centre opens in Chilliwack

May 13, 2022 11:50 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

B.C. increases forest revenue sharing with First Nations in step toward new fiscal relationship

April 27, 2022 12:45 PM
Photo of trees with icon of hands and trees in white overtop
Text reads: Doubling First Nation forestry revenue rates
British Columbia is more than doubling the forestry revenues that will be shared with First Nations as part of the work to co-develop a new forestry revenue-sharing model.
  Read More

B.C., First Nations leadership help communities recover

April 21, 2022 2:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour

January 20, 2022 8:00 AM
Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour
Nominations are being accepted for the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest honour.
  Read More

Outstanding people recognized for service during the pandemic

March 22, 2022 2:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News

close menu Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

Trade mission will showcase B.C.’s strong reputation

May 19, 2022 3:00 PM
Trade mission will showcase B.C.’s strong reputation
As the next step in the StrongerBC Economic Plan and as part of bringing good-paying jobs for people and families back to British Columbia, Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, will embark on a 10-day trade mission to Europe.
  Read More

Major partnership with the Netherlands signed to better support B.C. food security

May 24, 2022 10:45 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Labour

Single-step certification will protect right to join a union

April 6, 2022 1:51 PM
Single-step certification will protect right to join a union
Changes that make collective bargaining more accessible will help protect workers who want more say about workplace safety, compensation and benefits.
  Read More

B.C. expands cancer coverage for firefighters

April 22, 2022 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Land, Water and Resource Stewardship

Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.

April 21, 2022 11:15 AM
Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.
An ongoing effort to restore watersheds and wetlands in the province is creating a healthier future for British Columbians by mitigating the impacts of climate change on communities, strengthening ecosystems and securing quality drinking water.
  Read More

Ministers’ statement on Invasive Species Action Month

May 6, 2022 3:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Mental Health and Addictions

New service helps clarify rights under Mental Health Act

April 28, 2022 10:18 AM
New service helps clarify rights under Mental Health Act
The Province has introduced legislation that will help people experiencing a mental-health crisis better understand their rights and the supports available to them.
  Read More

Expanding access to mental-health supports for health-care, social service workers

May 6, 2022 11:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Municipal Affairs

Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage

April 25, 2022 1:30 PM
Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage
Displaced Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with visas issued under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) will now have access to date-of-arrival Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage.
  Read More

Pandemic relief funds help libraries adapt to changing needs

May 17, 2022 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Province, mayors co-ordinate investigation into prolific offenders

May 5, 2022 12:50 PM
Making our communities safer
The Province, in co-operation with British Columbia’s Urban Mayors’ Caucus (BCUMC), has hired two experts to investigate and report on prolific offenders and random violent attacks, and the necessary actions.
  Read More

B.C. seeks public input on consumer experiences

May 16, 2022 10:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Funding helps strengthen food security in Greater Victoria

May 12, 2022 1:00 PM
Funding helps strengthen food security in Greater Victoria
Residents with limited income living in Greater Victoria will soon have improved access to local and nutritious food.
  Read More

Helping more British Columbians visit the dentist

May 4, 2022 2:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM
Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection
A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British Columbians.
  Read More

Province bolsters support for live music events

May 18, 2022 1:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Province launches Surrey Langley SkyTrain engagement

May 9, 2022 12:00 PM
Province launches Surrey Langley SkyTrain engagement
The public is invited to have their say on the first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years.
  Read More

New commercial inspection station near Terrace will improve road safety

May 4, 2022 8:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Home
  • Ministries
    • Office of the Premier
    • Advanced Education and Skills Training
    • Agriculture and Food
    • Attorney General
    • Children and Family Development
    • Citizens' Services
    • Education and Child Care
    • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
    • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
    • Finance
    • Forests
    • Health
    • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
    • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
    • Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
    • Labour
    • Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
    • Mental Health and Addictions
    • Municipal Affairs
    • Public Safety and Solicitor General
    • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
    • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
    • Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast

Office of the Premier

Speech to B.C. Business Summit 2017

Share

More from this Ministry
Premier John Horgan

Premier John Horgan

Premier John Horgan

Read Bio

Contact

Email: Premier@gov.bc.ca

close menu Office of the Premier

Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM
Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection
A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British Columbians.
  Read More

Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THE PREMIER
More from the Premier
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Premier's Bio
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Print

Office of the Premier

British Columbia News

Speech to B.C. Business Summit 2017

https://news.gov.bc.ca/17993

Share

Story

Vancouver
Wednesday, November 1, 2017 10:15 AM

Share

Story

Vancouver

Wednesday, November 1, 2017 10:15 AM

Meet the Team

  • Cabinet Ministers
  • Deputy Ministers
  • Cabinet Committees

More from the Premier

  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Thank you Robyn Sylvester for that kind introduction.

Thank you Greg D’Avignon, and the Business Council of British Columbia for inviting me here today.

We are gathered on the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations of the Coast Salish peoples.

There is tremendous energy, drive, and talent in this room.

Thank you for the great work you do to create good jobs for people across B.C.

This is a special province.

Our economy is as diverse as our communities.

Driven by the abundance of natural resources, and the hard work and ingenuity of our people.

From fishing and forestry, to tourism and agriculture, arts and film, construction and manufacturing, technology and innovation...

We have it all.

I’m humbled to be Premier of such a dynamic and diverse province.

Last Thursday marked 100 days since we formed government.

We’ve been working every day for the people and businesses of B.C.

Our three key priorities during the election campaign were very simple:

  • Making life more affordable.
  • Fixing the services people count on.
  • And building a strong, sustainable and innovative economy that works for everyone.

We know that economic growth and investments in people go hand-in-hand.

Attracting the best and brightest talent depends on an education system that’s second to none.

Retaining that talent depends on making sure people can afford to live here.

And future growth and opportunity for business depends on keeping our economy competitive.

You are doing your part to keep the province moving

Government has to step up and do its part by investing in people, infrastructure, and a competitive business environment.

Our September budget update presented a balanced budget and a strong fiscal outlook, with smart investments to keep our economy growing.

We increased education funding and opened 500 new trades training spaces, to give young people the skills they need to succeed.

We waived tuition fees for Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning, to reduce barriers so people can reach their full potential.                                                            

We’re also improving credential assessments to help newcomers get to work in their fields faster.

The budget update included $14.6 billion in capital spending over three years to build roads, transit, schools and hospitals for people.

That’s something we’re proud of.

When we build up our province, we create opportunity for you, and for people across B.C.

We’re going to make sure communities benefit from these investments, by promoting local hires and local procurement, and creating more training spaces.

Because government infrastructure investment should benefit local business and create good local jobs.

We create the foundation for investment and growth by investing in:

  • transportation and infrastructure
  • action on climate change
  • education and skills training
  • public health care
  • action on housing affordability

Traditional Industries

Our government will continue to support traditional industries like forestry, mining and natural gas.

We’ll make B.C. a world leader in engineered wood products, and grow our value-added sector.

We’ll keep fighting for a fair deal on softwood lumber that is good for B.C. forest workers, our industry, and the communities that depend on it.

We’ll invest in natural resource projects, and make sure British Columbians receive a fair rate of return.

We’ll protect B.C.’s land, air and water.

And we will make sure First Nations are meaningful partners in natural resource projects.

We don’t achieve that by ignoring Supreme Court decisions.

We don’t achieve that by ignoring the principles of reconciliation.

We achieve it by working with First Nations to share the prosperity with everyone.

We can't change the disappointments of the past.

But we can look forward with hope and optimism to an economy where industry, workers and Indigenous Peoples all benefit from the wealth they helped create.

Last week, I travelled to Kitimat and Prince Rupert.

I toured the new AltaGas Propane Export Terminal, an innovative project that opens the door to global markets, while creating good jobs for the North Coast.

I also visited the modernized Rio Tinto smelter, source of the world’s lowest carbon aluminum and more than 1,000 sustainable jobs.

We visited LNG Canada and Kitimat LNG

They are confident and optimistic for the future of the industry

I’m confident and hopeful, too

My government will continue to work with traditional sectors of the economy, while embracing new ideas and solutions to bring us into the future.

New Economy

We’re supporting growth and opportunities in the new economy.

Including venture capital investment in B.C. start-ups, to back our B.C. tech companies.

Our Innovation Commissioner will be both an advocate and ambassador for B.C.’s tech sector.

And the Emerging Economy Task Force will create made-in-B.C. solutions to encourage innovation and drive sustainable economic growth. 

We’re also taking steps to expand and deepen B.C.’s national and international trade relationships.

We’re opening a new U.S. trade and investment office in Seattle to promote BC tech.

Our strategic investment in film over decades has created a skilled workforce and a thriving industry.

And it’s not just because of our beautiful natural environment.

It’s about our people.

We have the talent and the skilled workforce to fuel creative projects for decades to come.

The film industry is a great job creator in B.C., and we want to do everything we can to help it expand.

All of this, and more, is possible.

Together, we can create good-paying jobs in every corner of the province

And make sure everyone benefits from B.C.’s economy, resources and environment.

Government can help you by providing the right support at the right time

By investing in people

And sharing the economic prosperity with communities throughout B.C.

My government is here to work with you to make it happen.

Let’s work together… to build that better B.C.

Thank you.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/17993

Related Articles

Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM

Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM

B.C. and Modern Treaty Nations renew implementation commitment

May 24, 2022 12:23 PM
BC Gov News

Connect with the Office of the Premier

Photos

View the Office of the Premier's latest photos on Flickr.

Videos

Watch the Office of the Premier's latest videos on YouTube.

Sound Bites

Listen to the Office of the Premier's latest audio clips on SoundCloud.

Connect with Us:

  • BC Gov
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds

  • Home
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • Contact Us
  • Connect
View all Social Media