The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan addresses the TrueNorth Business Development Forum

Keynote remarks outline his vision for PacifiCan and how it will support growth in Northern British Columbia

June 2, 2022 – Prince George, British Columbia – Pacific Economic Development Canada

As the largest city in Northern British Columbia, Prince George is an economic hub that is key to prosperity across the region.

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), attended the TrueNorth Business Development Forum, hosted by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce.

The Minister shared his vision for how PacifiCan will work with British Columbians to drive economic development in communities like Prince George and throughout British Columbia.

As a new federal agency dedicated to British Columbia, PacifiCan will be a long-term partner in British Columbians’ economic success. Throughout the coming year, PacifiCan will expand its on-the-ground presence beyond its existing office in Vancouver. This will include a new headquarters in Surrey and staff in Campbell River, Cranbrook, Fort St. John, Kelowna, Prince Rupert, Victoria and Prince George.

In his remarks, Minister Sajjan described how PacifiCan is resourced with $110 million a year to support economic development by investing in British Columbian businesses and communities and by helping British Columbians through advising, pathfinding, and convening. Minister Sajjan emphasized partnerships across governments, industry and community as key to enduring economic success.

The Minister also referenced over $1.9 million in investments for six recipients in Prince George and surrounding communities that he announced earlier in the day while visiting the Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre in Prince George.

Minister Sajjan closed his remarks by noting that PacifiCan is committed to working with British Columbians to build a more inclusive, dynamic and stronger economy in communities throughout the province.