Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada
Last updated on February 25, 2026A targeted strategy to deliver major projects, expand skills training and grow key sectors to strengthen the economy.
A strategy built for people to succeed
Look West is a targeted plan designed to deliver major projects, create good jobs and strengthen B.C. and Canada’s economic security in the face of economic threats. We’re seizing opportunities and leveraging our strengths to deliver for B.C. and for Canada.
We have the resources Canada and the world need, the infrastructure and coastal ports to deliver them to market, and the skilled people and regulatory framework to complete major projects, on time and within budget.
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Actions at a glance
Our approach is built on three key pillars.
Strengthening our workforce
- Focusing on skilled trades training to build the talent we need
- Leveraging talent and expertise from across Canada and around the globe
- Advancing skills training for highly qualified professions to drive Canada’s key economic sectors
- Connecting industry to quality training opportunities
Delivering major projects faster
- Accelerating major job-creating projects
- Speeding up and streamlining permitting, reducing barriers and delays, and removing duplication across regulatory frameworks
- Leveraging B.C.’s natural resources to deliver major projects
Diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors
- Building pathways to international trade, diversifying markets, and reducing internal trade barriers
- Strengthening our export infrastructure, getting more goods to the global market
Explore targeted sectors
Driving economic growth through construction innovation, creating a hub for advanced building technologies
Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada
- Download the Look West Strategy (PDF, 9.2MB)
- Learn about the other ways we’re building a stronger B.C. economy together
Progress updates
Progress on the Look West Strategy is already underway. As key actions move forward, we’ll share updates and how it’s making a difference for British Columbians.
- Strengthening Canada’s defence capacity. The Regional Defence Investment Initiative is investing in B.C. businesses that have viable projects to support Canada’s defence and security capabilities while boosting regional economic development. Interested businesses can apply for project funding until April 15, 2026.
- Backing bid for global defense bank headquarters. B.C. is backing a private-sector bid for the international headquarters of the new Defence, Security and Resiliency Bank (DSRB) to be located in Vancouver. The bank focuses on financing projects for NATO members and allies. If successful, it would create 3,500 high-paying jobs and position B.C. as a leader in the global security sector. Read the news release | Read Vancouver’s Bid to Host the DSRB (PDF, 11MB)
- Powering AI growth with clean energy. Province and BC Hydro are launching a competitive process to manage rising electricity demand and support balanced development of artificial intelligence and data-centre projects, encouraging economic growth and creating good jobs.
- Boosting clean technology and enhancing port operations in the North. Three dual-use technology businesses are testing new tools that can help cut emissions, improve safety and support jobs in northern communities, while supporting Canada’s defence priorities.
- Building B.C., India partnerships to boost tech sectors. As part of the trade mission to India, B.C. is advancing partnership with India’s Karnataka state to increase collaboration and attract investments in life sciences, technology and innovation, creating good jobs and opportunities.
- Strengthening B.C.’s food security with new technology, training. A new smart-farming project in Delta is helping strengthen food security for B.C, while two new training programs will ensure more people have the necessary skills to succeed in the growing agritech sector.
- Supporting good jobs, Premier leads trade mission to India. The Premier and Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth met with government and business leaders in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Bengaluru (Bangalore), advancing key partnerships, attracting investments, fostering collaboration, and bringing good jobs to B.C.
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