Diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors

• Improved access to provincial and territorial markets for B.C. goods
• Exploring new markets for B.C. goods and services, reducing reliance on any one market being over 50% of exports trade value 
• Growing B.C.’s presence globally — leveraging trade offices in Taiwan, Vietnam, Mexico
• Positioning B.C. as a reliable and supportive place for Canadian and global investors, using events such as Web Summit Vancouver and FIFA World Cup 2026™ to profile our expertise, location and areas of advantage to a global audience

We’re continuing to build on our Trade Diversification Strategy, diversifying our markets, leveraging our international trade networks, and exploring partnerships beyond the U.S., so that we can weather shifts and disruptions.

As a result, in 2024, where the rest of Canada exported 77% of their goods and services to the U.S. and only 10% to Asia, B.C.’s export market showed more diversification with just 53% going to the U.S. and 36.3% to Asia. And we’re continuing to strengthen and build pathways to other markets through trade missions and leveraging provincial offices. We’re taking measures, such as B.C.’s forestry sector opening a new office in London, England, and growing its market presence in Europe.

Diversifying B.C.’s trade to leverage markets and mutual opportunities across Canada will be key to the province’s success. About 35% of B.C.’s total exports are to the rest of Canada, worth over $49 billion in goods and services — $19.4 billion in goods and $30 billion in services. This makes the domestic market our second-largest trading partner after the U.S.

B.C. is leading the efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers through the Canada-wide Mutual Recognition Agreement, which will allow the free movement of goods and services across provinces, lower the cost of doing business, attract investments, and give consumers choices. It will also help deliver on major projects and grow strategic sectors. And we are actively working on improving labour mobility so projects of national interest can leverage B.C.’s skilled workforces.

Moving forward, we will continue to seek ways to further improve internal trade within the borders of our great country while we also work toward strengthening our international trading relations..

Investors need certainty and stability, and we are providing that through high environmental standards, working with First Nations and local communities, and speeding up permitting processes.

• B.C.’s raw and value-added mineral and metals exports outside the U.S. have grown 68% since 2017 — a key piece of B.C.’s trade-diversification strategy. Today, raw and value-added mineral and metals exports produce 17% of B.C.’s export value with two-thirds of our exports now being sold outside of the U.S.
• In the past 10 years, more than 400 international companies have set up businesses in B.C., and more than 2,200 companies have merged or been bought by others. These deals have created more than 33,500 new jobs in the province.
• B.C. has also seen a growing share of service exports over the years. In 2023, B.C.’s international service exports were estimated at $37.4 billion, growing by 13% year over year, and made up about 38% of the total international exports.

• Doubling the amount of goods movement through our existing trade corridors by 2035, supporting our trade-diversification objectives
• Double exports to non-U.S. markets
• Providing $15.9 billion in capital funding over the next three years to improve transportation networks throughout B.C.
• Investing to maintain and expand highways and bridges, including more than $5 billion to widen and upgrade Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley, better connecting Canada with the Lower Mainland’s ports and airport.

B.C. is Canada’s gateway to the Pacific, with the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert serving as the primary economic corridor for trade diversification with Asia and other markets.

Our air, rail, roads, pipelines and coastal and in-land marine routes augment this capacity and help move goods efficiently, making B.C. an essential trade corridor for everything from fertilizers to manufactured goods. In addition to infrastructure development investments, we’ll be optimizing existing processes by applying innovation, streamlining operations and addressing challenges that act as a bottleneck for goods movement.

We’re also working with First Nations to improve access to industrial land that will play a crucial role in facilitating access to trade and markets in Asia and provide space for critical trade infrastructure.

We currently have five active testbeds, including environmental monitoring at ports, autonomous robots to aid mobility at airports, drone technology to assess infrastructure and more. The Integrated Marketplace is putting B.C. innovations to work, proving their effectiveness, reducing emissions, and increasing efficiency. 

And we’ll continue to do all this while keeping our carbon emissions low, in line with the future envisioned in CleanBC, and prioritize workers' safety at our ports and airports.

• The Prince Rupert Port Authority and port partners are currently executing a $3-billion construction plan to develop new terminal and logistics projects, with billions more in the works, to significantly increase the trade infrastructure capacity to shift to new markets.
• B.C.-wide, industrial production contributes $36 billion to GDP annually and sustains approximately 250,000 direct jobs, with significant indirect and induced economic benefits created for the whole economy.
• In the advanced stages of permitting, the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 would increase container trade capacity by more than 30% on Canada’s west coast and enable the trade of $100 billion in goods annually.

• Updating our BC Maritime Industries Strategy with the aim of securing 35% of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy contracts by 2035
• Creating a ship-recycling industry, growing B.C.’s maritime supply chain and adding more maintenance, repair and overhaul work

With the largest maritime economy in Canada and the first- and third-largest Canadian ports, B.C.’s maritime expertise and assets are indispensable to economic growth, defence and sovereignty.

Building on the strength of B.C. success stories such as Seaspan, Babcock Canada, OSI Maritime, and Titan Boats, we will be working to attract B.C.’s share of Canada’s coast guard and naval ship-building contracts. To increase our competitiveness and protect jobs, we’ll also develop our small and medium-sized commercial vessel design and building capabilities.

We’re also working to increase our LNG bunkering capacity to transfer fuel from a distribution terminal to ships — it is a much-needed response to shifting maritime sector’s needs and another way B.C. can help support the transition of the global economy to increasingly cleaner fuel sources.

With federal support, we can also invest in outfitting, testing and servicing the next generation of Canadian submarines in B.C.

• B.C.᾽s maritime sector is the largest in Canada, with more than 1,000 maritime industry companies operating in B.C., generating $7.2 billion in economic output, and sustaining jobs for 34,250 people.
• Today, B.C. is at the forefront of maritime technology. From establishing one of the world’s first and largest undersea digital observatories off the coast of Vancouver Island, to developing deep water submersibles and remotely operated vehicles.
• B.C. has existing strong links to federal maritime procurement under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, using B.C. shipyards to build noncombat vessels. Several small and medium-sized companies are also working on defence contracts, such as SSI providing digital shipbuilding platform for design purposes and Rockland Scientific providing high-accuracy instrumentation for oceanographic research.

• Leading the world in quantum computing technologies, and an emerging leader in the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, sensors, space technologies and drones
• Driving Canada’s digital and economic competitiveness as well as its commitment to a buy-Canadian-first approach
• Providing real-world solutions that increase competitiveness and productivity, while also enhancing the expertise of our workforce
• Doubling tech-sector employment to 400,000, and increasing technology sector’s GDP contribution by 75% over the next decade

Quantum Computing

Investing in made-in-Canada quantum computing power and training will be critical to strengthening domestic capability and defence innovation, spurring economic growth, nurture partnerships between researchers, industry, local communities, and government — both provincial and national.

B.C. will be focusing on leading the world with technologies that power future quantum computers — help in building scalable and faster quantum computers (spin qubit) and applying techniques that increase efficiency and minimize costs for businesses and government. Advancing work on industry challenges and cybersecurity solutions that will protect the interests of British Columbians, Canadians and our allies.

Artificial Intelligence

AI is both a key sector and an enabling technology that has the potential to boost performance across all industries and sectors. As one of the top AI hubs in Canada that has doubled in size since 2023 to more than 600 companies, B.C. is already working on high-quality AI solutions for key sectors such as medicine and pharmacology, geospatial analytics, agriculture, legal services, health care, and more. They are not only attracting investments, but also creating good jobs and attracting highly qualified and skilled talent to B.C. 

B.C. is home to companies such as Variational AI, who are leveraging generative AI to accelerate breakthroughs in drug discovery, while EarthDaily Analytics applies advanced AI to high-resolution satellite imagery, enabling real-time detection of geospatial changes.

We’re also developing AI applications that can help screen cancer in children. The locally developed AI algorithm will make it easier for cancer diagnosis process that is traditionally reliant on manual, variable processes. It is a significant and novel AI solution, particularly for children, and through exports can make a difference worldwide.

B.C.’s AI sector also has a critical role to play in larger defence industry applications. From predictive modelling solutions to sensors and hardware, B.C. companies are primed to integrate into Canada’s emerging defence industry.

To help the sector realize its full potential, B.C. will be working with industry, researchers, universities and technology adopters to support the growth, sales and profitability of B.C. companies. We’re setting up a K-12 Advisory Committee to explore the integration of AI platforms and skills acquisitions into the B.C. K-12 school systems to encourage early exposure and skills development.

We’ll also be partnering to help B.C. businesses to effectively and thoughtfully adopt AI solutions that will provide business value and a return on investment. Further, we’ll support AI technology leaders such as SFU, Telus, Bell and others who are working to secure federal AI funding to create broader benefits for people in B.C.

• In 2020, the B.C. government and Ecosystem Investment Partners invested in creating the Quantum Algorithms Institute (QAI). QAI is working with British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) to identify quantum computing investment applications and implement security standards that protect against the threat of a quantum attack. This collaboration demonstrates B.C.’s quantum leadership, and QAI will use the insights gained through its practical experience with BCI to further support postquantum readiness across the provincial and national business ecosystems.
• Despite their relative youth, 75% of B.C.’s AI companies are already generating revenue — an encouraging sign of early market traction and commercial potential. In 2021, B.C.’s AI sector generated approximately $316 million in total GDP and has created more than 2,300 direct and indirect jobs.
• The AI sector is projected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.3% by the end of the decade, generating more than $2.64 billion in total GDP by 2031.

• Partnering with communities to attract aerospace investment and manufacturing, and seeking federal support
• Exploring opportunities for B.C. companies to supply military equipment and participate in large-scale Canadian and international procurements
• Establishing an aerospace manufacturing cluster capable of supporting the design, construction, maintenance, and operational support of existing and future aircraft fleets, and air force and space platforms 

B.C. has a globally competitive aerospace sector, and is well-recognized for its innovation, tactical location on the West Coast, and diverse possibilities. Our aerospace and defence sector generate approximately $2.5 billion in revenues and supports 16,300 direct and indirect jobs in B.C.

We have several successful small, medium and large companies that are working on defence contracts, including the Indigenous-owned and women-led RaceRocks who are modernizing training programs for critical industries such as defence, aerospace, and maritime. There is also Quaternion Aerospace delivering manned and unmanned air systems design and Rainhouse offering precision machining and manufacturing.

To prepare the province for future opportunities, B.C. is already investing in the larger aerospace supply chain through programs such as the Manufacturing Jobs Fund and the Integrated Marketplace.

• We’re investing $2.725 million in COTA Aviation, based in Parksville, on Vancouver Island,  that specializes in design, maintenance, manufacturing and training for Canada’s defence and commercial aerospace sectors. It will help strengthen B.C.’s position in the Canadian aerospace sector and create new skilled jobs.
• We’re also investing in Surrey-based CCI Circuits to expand their advanced manufacturing capacity, supporting growth across multiple high-tech sectors, including aerospace, military and defence, while creating good local jobs and strengthening Canada’s supply chains
• B.C. companies currently lead or support significant federal contracts, including the $11.2-billion Future Air Crew Training Program or FAcT (KF Aerospace).

• Supporting and expanding this high-growth sector through strategic partnerships — including a strong alliance with the federal government 
• Offering a stable, highly collaborative environment for companies and investors, and doubling employment in the sector by 2031
• Delivering a Life Sciences Action Plan that will advance –
  • developing and growing B.C.’s strengths in its mRNA and lipid nanoparticle capabilities, strengthening supply chains
  • expanding clinical trials infrastructure and capacity 
  • providing access to B.C.’s rich data assets to empower local companies and accelerate innovation 
  • creating an advanced life sciences hub
  • growing expertise in nuclear medicine

British Columbia’s life-sciences sector is thriving and exceeding all expectations; proven through the commercial success it has achieved in the past 25 years by contributing to 22 therapeutic innovations approved for patient treatment. As the fastest-growing life-sciences sector in Canada, and the country’s most entrepreneurial and innovative biotech hub, B.C. continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and momentum attracting $1.7 billion in leveraged investment and employing more than 20,000 workers across 2,000 companies.

Built on decades of investments in foundational research, the province’s strengths span a wide range of high-impact areas, including mRNA and lipid nanoparticles, and other platforms for innovative therapeutics, positioning the province as a critical contributor to Canada’s health and biosecurity. Multinational pharmaceutical firms and international investors are increasingly turning their attention to B.C., drawn by its leadership in cutting-edge therapeutic development.

With growing global interest, increasing job opportunities, and a robust foundation of success, B.C.’s life-sciences sector is poised to play a transformative role in shaping the future of health innovation — both nationally and internationally.

• Through our award-winning Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing strategy, our government has committed more than $815 million to life-sciences initiatives and leveraged more than $1.7 billion in federal funding and private investment to strengthen the life-sciences ecosystem in B.C.
• Through the BC Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF), we’ve provided $33 million to four breakthrough projects within Canada’s new Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub based in B.C. — part of a $173 million initiative to fast-track the development and manufacturing of life-saving medicines, ready to respond to health emergencies in less than 100 days.
• Since 2022, $235 million for health research through Michael Smith Health Research BC and Genome BC; both organizations fund research projects, leading researchers to attract another $335 million in research funding to B.C.

• Tripling the amount of B.C. wood used in construction by 2035 
• Reshaping construction by scaling up factory-built wood-based solutions to unlock new growth and trade opportunities, setting the national standard for speed and quality
• Building a modern construction environment and increasing productivity with a stable and resilient supply chain that connects our natural resources to our buildings and infrastructure development

British Columbia’s construction sector is evolving rapidly, driven by innovation and a growing demand for affordable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. B.C. remains a national leader in construction innovation, with the sector as a whole contributing more than $25 billion annually to the province’s GDP and employing more than 200,000 people.

Under our upcoming Construction Action Plan, B.C. will focus on three strategic objectives to support the shift to industrialized construction and stabilize costs: 

1. Boost productivity through factory-based construction using low-carbon wood systems, such as mass timber and prefabricated panels, enabling faster, cleaner, and more efficient building.
2. Simplify processes by reducing regulatory and permitting friction, and aligning procurement, financing, and insurance systems with industrialized approaches to accelerate project delivery.
3. Leverage provincial advantages by strengthening supply chains, expanding digital tools, and tapping into regional knowledge of manufacturers, workforce, and market demand.

The B.C. government is committed to transforming the construction industry through strategic investments, partnerships, and policy innovation. However, scaling industrialized construction to meet the full scope of B.C.'s and Canada’s infrastructure needs will require co-ordinated federal support.

Collaboration with the federal government continues to strengthen B.C.’s construction innovation ecosystem. Federal programs such as the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative and Build Canada Homes agency investments have played a critical role. In addition, the federal government’s new Defence Investment Agency is overseeing more than $60 billion in upcoming infrastructure and procurement projects, which presents significant opportunities for B.C.’s construction sector, particularly in sustainable building systems, prefabrication, and regional supply chain development.

B.C. is home to leading research clusters such as the University of British Columbia (UBC) Smart Infrastructure and Construction Research Cluster which are shaping the future of construction in Canada. And with growing global interest in B.C.’s construction innovation, the sector continues to offer diverse career opportunities and plays a vital role in shaping B.C.’s economic and environmental future.

• We’re investing in strengthening wood solutions for prefabricated housing and multi-storey structures, so we can build more homes for people in B.C. Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc. in Castlegar is receiving as much as $6.7 million to grow its operations and establish a new facility to produce building components for rapid housing construction, diversifying their portfolio from commercial operations, and creating jobs in the process.
• B.C. is investing $2 million in Ron Anderson & Sons Ltd. (RAS), a Chemainus-based wood-product manufacturer, to fund a project that will use automation and advanced manufacturing to diversify its products, including prefabricated floors, roof panels and stairs. RAS’s expansion to a new plant will create jobs, increase its output, and contribute to building new homes faster through more efficient construction methods.
• Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), B.C. is investing $2.6 million in Galcon Precast on Vancouver Island and $1.4 million in Grosso Precast in northern B.C. to support increased production of concrete, diversify product lines, serve major infrastructure projects, and create good local jobs.

• Creating new opportunities for agriculture, agritech and the food-processing sector
• Leveraging the 17% increase in B.C. dairy production to expand local value-added milk and plant protein manufacturing and exports
• Increasing production in B.C. greenhouses to meet rising domestic and global demand for high-quality agriculture and food products
• Enhancing the ability of growing agriculture and food businesses in B.C. to achieve the scale and production level necessary to outperform foreign suppliers

British Columbia’s agriculture and food sector generates more than $19 billion in revenues and contributes nearly $6 billion to GDP annually, with 32,000 businesses providing more than 74,000 jobs in communities across the province. Food and beverage manufacturing produces approximately 65% of sector revenue, making it B.C.’s second-largest manufacturing industry. The agriculture and food sector exports nearly $6 billion in goods annually, providing high-quality fruit and vegetables, seafood, beverages, baked goods, specialty foods and other value-added products to consumers around the world.

Over the past two years, we have made historic investments in B.C.’s agriculture and food industry. We have invested more than $300 million in projects that are helping strengthen provincial and regional food security, emergency planning and preparedness, flood mitigation and climate resilience, Indigenous food sovereignty, food processing and the supply chain. Building on these investments, we recently committed as much as $496 million to build a new plant and animal health centre in the Fraser Valley to help producers prevent and respond to disease threats, protect our food supply, support public health, and ensure continued access to key markets for B.C.’s agriculture exports.

With rising domestic and global demand for safe, sustainable, high-quality food, and growing interest in food security and climate resilience, B.C.’s agriculture and food sector offers significant opportunities to drive inclusive economic growth, attract investment, and increase the amount of local food available to people in B.C. The Premier’s Task Force on Agriculture and the Food Economy has identified a clear road map to position B.C.’s agriculture and food industry to capture these opportunities. We are committed to continuing to work in partnership with industry to improve sector competitiveness and grow agriculture and food production and exports.

• Recent government investments in Vitalus Nutrition and Punjab Milk Foods (best known for their brand Nanak Foods) are catalyzing a significant expansion of B.C.’s dairy and plant-based manufacturing capacity and enabling the production of high-value nutritional and culturally diverse food products for domestic and global markets. These projects exemplify how targeted public funding can unlock sector growth, support food security, and position B.C. as a leader in value-added food manufacturing.
• B.C.’s greenhouse sector has grown steadily over the past decade, supported by advancements in technology that have created opportunities to produce a broader range of highvalue products. With B.C.’s strong global reputation and increasing domestic and export demand for highquality agriculture products, expanding greenhouse space presents a highreturn opportunity to scale sustainable food production, enhance competitiveness, and support B.C.’s leadership in agritech and climate-resilient agriculture.
• Leveraging B.C.’s unique position as Canada’s gateway to the Pacific, new investments are expanding the province’s capacity to meet growing demand for biofuels and agriculture exports. For example, West Coast Reduction’s $382-million Project AgriGuard will establish a state-of-the-art rendering facility with upgraded processing equipment and capacity — along with retrofitting marine processing infrastructure, significantly increasing domestic and international rendering and export capacity.

• Delivering a Tourism Growth Strategy, and creating conditions to draw investment in tourism infrastructure and experiences, including expansion of B.C.’s world-class mountain-resort sector, generating jobs and benefits for local communities
• Leveraging the outdoor recreation economy to drive downstream benefits across related sectors, including outdoor gear manufacturing, destination development, and a globally competitive tourism industry
• Building resilient rural economies by positioning tourism and outdoor recreation as catalysts for sustainable growth and diversification

Tourism is a significant contributor to B.C.’s economy, employing more than 125,700 people and generating $22 billion in revenue in communities throughout the province. We’re exploring opportunities to grow and diversify the industry, drawing new visitors, extending seasons and expanding tourism offerings. We are leveraging the global exposure from FIFA World Cup 26™ and launching six new Iconics that focus on the provincewide B.C. experience through six compelling regional travel routes, reinforcing the brand of Super, Natural British Columbia® as a world-class destination.

B.C.’s outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of this growth, attracting visitors from around the world to experience B.C.’s mountains, forests, rivers and coastline. These experiences not only drive visitation, but also sustain local economies and small businesses in rural and Indigenous communities.

We’re committed to supporting our mountain resorts, adventure tourism operators and commercial recreation providers who deliver safe, world-class experiences that connect visitors with B.C.’s natural landscapes. Creating conditions for these sectors to invest and grow also supports the growth of direct and indirect industries such as the outdoor recreation gear and apparel industry. We have an unmatched cluster ranging from clothing brand Arc’teryx to gear makers such as Outdoor Labs, which is manufacturing, exporting and leading the way in this sector. We’ll explore ways to better support these sectors and companies.

• Since 2017, the Province has invested more than $40 million expanding BC Parks campgrounds and forest recreation sites. Rural and local communities across B.C. are benefiting from the tourism and associated opportunities generated from the addition of 1,500 campsites over just the past five years.
• In 2023, the outdoor recreation sector contributed $4.8 billion to B.C.’s economy, generated revenue of $17 billion and supported jobs worth $3.2 billion. The sector is an integral part of the B.C. economy supporting tourism, manufacturing, and retail.
• Destination BC launched six new iconic destination brands in 2025 under the Super, Natural British Columbia campaign to market the province’s regional tourism offerings internationally and encourage visitors to travel throughout B.C. These new brands mark a bold shift in global tourism positioning and storytelling for the province.

Industrial land in B.C. is vital for a strong and diversified economy, providing essential space for foundational economic activities, including raw materials processing, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, and professional services.

B.C.’s industrial land strengthens our supply chains and drives export growth. In fact, 93% of all B.C.-origin international merchandise exports are industrial products, ranging from critical minerals, metals, energy, and a wide array of manufactured goods, including wood products, machinery, food and beverage products, transportation equipment, and more.

To ensure B.C.’s economy has the space to grow, we established the Industrial Land Office to work in partnership with First Nations, local governments, and industry to develop an Industrial Land Action Plan. The action plan will ensure communities and workers across B.C. benefit from a thriving and diversified industrial land base that drives economic growth, supply chain resilience, environmental sustainability, and new export opportunities.

The action plan will seek to optimize industrial land use, improve access to development opportunities, and increase industrial land supply to drive growth in targeted sections.

Canada has committed to meeting its NATO defence spending target this year and growing spending in line with its allies. This will mean a material increase in traditional defence spending, which includes procurement of new ships, planes and technologies that are key to protecting our borders and enhancing sovereignty. This generational federal investment sets the stage to connect B.C.’s strategic sectors with national and international procurement opportunities, providing multiple paths to growth and job creation.

In addition, the federal government’s new Defence Investment Agency is overseeing more than $60 billion in anticipated infrastructure and procurement projects, with a mandate to stimulate domestic industries — including advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, and logistics.

As more details are released around federal priorities, procurements and programs, B.C. will be continuously working with stakeholders in aerospace, maritime, life sciences, quantum computing, AI, transportation and logistics, and construction innovation to partner and advance our shared national and provincial priorities.

B.C. is working to review its procurement policy, programs and practices to promote sovereignty, innovation and jobs in B.C.

We have initiated several successful procurement programs, such as Code with Us, Team with Us, and Sprint with Us in an effort to modernize procurement of technology. At the same time, programs such as Integrated Marketplace have helped B.C. companies find a first-reference customer. Growing the use and approaches of these programs will make it easier for small and medium-sized B.C. companies to do business with government, which will help advance innovation and efficiency in government while supporting jobs in B.C.

This work will build on the B.C. government’s Procurement Plan, which focuses on advancing social, environmental and economic outcomes. This includes Social Impact Purchasing Guidelines, the Indigenous Procurement Initiative and Environmentally Responsible Procurement Guidelines.

The review will enable procurement to be leveraged to help meet some of British Columbia’s biggest priorities.