Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada

A 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. 

Actions at a glance

Our approach is built on three key pillars. 

Explore targeted sectors  

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.

We’re also tracking the progress we’ve made towards reaching our short, medium and long-term goals.

• Securing historic deal with Ottawa. B.C. secured a multi-billion-dollar agreement with the federal government that will accelerate the construction of major energy and trade corridors throughout the province and strengthen workforce training, while protecting the north coast tanker ban and securing compensation for any future pipeline.
• Showcasing B.C. during FIFA World Cup. B.C. is already seeing immediate and long-term economic benefits from hosting 7 world cup matches in Vancouver. The BC Business House created a hub for investors and governments from around the world to explore economic opportunities, while local businesses are reporting significant increases in sales.
• Strengthening B.C.’s clinical trials ecosystem. Health Research BC launched a new competitiveness strategy to support a coordinated and efficient approach to attracting and conducting clinical trials in B.C.
• Discovering new cancer treatments. Vancouver biotech company, AbCellera, has signed a major new partnership with global drug company Jazz Pharmaceuticals to help discover new cancer treatments that use the body’s own immune system. This investment helps strengthen B.C.’s position as a hub for cutting-edge cancer research.
• Securing first European energy deal. Ksi Lisims LNG entered into an agreement with Germany’s Securing Energy For Europe (SEFE). SEFE will purchase one million tonnes of B.C.’s lower carbon liquified natural gas each year as long as 20 years, with deliveries starting in the early 2030s.
• Advancing LNG Canada Phase 2. The Government of Canada, the Government of B.C. and LNG Canada reached an agreement to help finalize efforts to support a Final Investment Decision by the end year. The proposed LNG expansion project is a key national and provincial priority.
• Supporting outdoor recreation, communities and local economies. The Province released Look West: B.C.’s Outdoor Recreation Strategy to build a more resilient and thriving recreation sector. Participation in outdoor recreation contributes $4.8 billion to B.C.’s economy each year and supports more than 1,400 businesses and communities provincewide.
• Announcing 2025 Call for Power recipients. BC Hydro awarded electricity purchase agreements to 4 renewable projects. The projects will deliver about 3,500 gigawatt hours of clean electricity each year – enough to power 350,000 homes.
• Supporting new lithium refining facility in Delta. The Government of Canada is investing in North America’s first commercial electrochemical lithium refining facility, leveraging B.C.’s mineral wealth to build a made-in-Canada battery supply chain.
• Building sovereign AI infrastructure. The Government of Canada and TELUS are advancing work to build a proposed large-scale AI data centre in B.C. to keep Canadian data, intellectual property and economic advantage on Canadian soil.
• Attracting top talent. The BC Provincial Nominee Program has been updated to support the Look West strategy, with a renewed focus on attracting top talent and addressing critical labour market needs.
• Boosting air cargo volume. Vancouver International Airport commits to double air cargo volume over the next 5 years to deliver more B.C. and Canadian products to global markets, which will help grow our economy and create more jobs.
• Look West update. In the first six months since it was launched, Look West has delivered real results. It’s bringing investment certainty, accelerating construction, and creating good-paying jobs, while strengthening Canada’s long-term economic security.
• Launching Major Projects in B.C. website. Learn more about the clean energy, critical mineral, mining and natural gas projects B.C. is working to deliver faster. They support tens of thousands construction and long-term jobs and represent an $88 billion in investments towards our $200 billion goal by 2035.
• Investing in skilled trades training. B.C. is doubling funding to $214 million per year by 2028-29. This is the first major increase in nearly 20 years. Up to 5,000 more apprenticeship seats are expected to open in the first year.
• Advancing life sciences sector in B.C. Canada is investing $127 million in two major life sciences projects from Aspect Biosystems and Providence Health Care (PHC) in Vancouver. They’re expected to create a total of 1,051 new good jobs and 865 student co-op positions in the Vancouver area. The Province has also provided Aspect Biosystems with $23.8 million and the Providence Health Care with $331 million to advance their projects.
• Strengthening military infrastructure and housing at CFB Esquimalt. Canada is investing $1.1 billion to replace two aging jetties to support Navy operations on the Pacific Coast, creating 1,280 jobs during construction. They’re also expanding military housing with 7,500 new units built at 25 locations across the country, including Esquimalt and Comox.
• Advancing defence innovation in AI and aerospace in B.C. PacifiCan is investing $13.8 million in 5 research and development projects to test and deploy new civilian and defence technologies that protect Canada.
• Launching the Tourism Sector Action Plan. Tourism is B.C.'s third largest sector. This targeted plan sets the path to double tourism revenues by 2036 and create lasting economic benefits.
• 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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