PacifiCan 2026 to 2028 Strategic Plan
Pacific Prosperity
Investing in economic growth for B.C. and Canada: 2026-2028
To build enduring prosperity for British Columbians and Canadians, PacifiCan works with partners and clients to seize opportunities for growth and advance three priorities:
Invest in B.C.’s Strengths
Anchor long term economic development by investing in innovative businesses with opportunities to scale
B.C. is critical to Canada’s prosperity—and has more to contribute to one strong Canadian economy.
B.C. generates 14% of Canada’s GDP and led annual GDP growth over the last decade. From abundant resources and clean energy to world-leading tech industries, every region of B.C. has assets the world wants. PacifiCan invests in businesses with ambition to grow and create value for Canada
Supply Canada
Connect businesses and communities to opportunities arising from generational investments in major projects, strategic sectors and domestic trade
Fast-tracked major projects, unprecedented defence and homebuilding investments, reduced domestic trade barriers, and Buy Canadian policies can create lasting benefits—when businesses, workers, and communities are ready.
Critical mineral and energy opportunities in Northwest B.C., a world-class talent and innovation ecosystem in the Lower Mainland, along with leadership in life sciences, clean tech, AI and quantum position B.C. for success. With PacifiCan support, B.C. companies can grow their markets, creating prosperity across the country.
Grow Exports
Leverage B.C.’s position in the Pacific to help businesses diversify markets and increase exports
More exports support a rising standard of living for British Columbians and Canadians.
B.C. is Canada’s top exporter to Asian markets and is home to ports that support more than $1 of every $3 in Canada’s trade in goods outside North America. To help Canada become more resilient to global economic shocks, PacifiCan will help B.C. SME exporters grow, boost productivity, and reach new customers, leveraging B.C.’s position as Canada’s gateway to the Pacific.
Focused Actions in 2026
Talented innovators, ambitious entrepreneurs, and bold leaders across B.C. are working to seize opportunity and Build Canada Strong.
Invest in B.C.’s Strengths
Supply Canada
Grow Exports
- Grow businesses in strategic sectors across regions by supporting scale-up, accelerating adoption of innovation, keeping Canadian intellectual property (IP) in Canada, and strengthening ecosystems.
- Connect and leverage local assets, ambition, and opportunities in communities to attract investment and build local economies.
- Partner with Indigenous organizations, businesses, and communities to grow economic participation, including in supply chains for major projects, defence, and homebuilding.
- Grow domestic trade, supporting B.C. companies with opportunity to expand in Canada, leveraging reduced internal trade barriers, Buy Canadian policies and industrial strategies.
- Work with partners in B.C.’s Northwest to advance economic development opportunities, enabling small businesses, workers, Indigenous peoples and communities to prosper from major industrial developments.
- Invest in businesses increasing exports, managing the impacts of tariffs, and leveraging trade agreements to diversify markets.
- Attract international investment, leveraging major events such as Web Summit and the Men’s World Cup 2026.
Seizing opportunity
B.C.’s existing and emerging strengths are key to Canadian prosperity.
- Oceans and agriculture products and technologies: Year-round production of crops, seafood and high-protein foods, drawing on innovative technologies to sustainably harness marine and agricultural resources
- Digital, AI, and quantum technologies: Robust start-up ecosystem, deep creative sector, multi-national anchor companies, two of five supercomputing sites in Canada, and competitive hubs in digital, AI and quantum
- Advanced materials and manufacturing: Driver of exports with potential to build on resource advantages by using innovative technologies (e.g., mass timber construction, nanofabrication, composites) to enhance productivity
- Clean technologies: Home to one-quarter of Canada’s clean tech companies, several on the Global Cleantech 100 list, demonstrating leadership in smart grids and energy storage, energy efficiency, and fuel cell technologies
- Critical minerals, energy, trade and logistics: Shovel-ready private sector projects with Indigenous participation, access to global markets, and national benefits
- Life sciences and biomanufacturing: Fastest-growing life sciences sector in Canada, world class talent, and some of Canada’s largest biotech companies
- Shipbuilding and aerospace: Capabilities in maintenance/repair, training, manufacturing, and advanced technologies
PacifiCan invests in B.C.
Through a range of ongoing and temporary programs, Pacifican invests in projects that are:
- Catalytic: To de-risk opportunities, attract capital, and lead to long-term economic growth
- Targeted: To promote business growth and create more prosperous communities
- Aligned: To advance local and national priorities
PacifiCan looks for a strong return on investment and these results:
- Small and medium sized firms are supported
- Job, revenue and export growth is achieved
- Regional assets are strengthened
- Investment is attracted
Partnership is at the core of our work. PacifiCan works with private and public sector partners to identify growth opportunities, align investments, and maximize outcomes.
Through our project partners across B.C., PacifiCan expects to deliver the following results in 2026–27:
- Leverage almost $300 million in additional project investments
- Create or maintain 5,000 jobs
- Support 19,000 firms
- Achieve at least 15% revenue growth among supported firms
- Increase export sales by more than $500 million among supported firms