Introduction

Our economy is strong and resilient — and B.C. has outperformed time and time again.

We’re leading the fight for a stronger B.C. and a stronger Canada with a targeted strategy to deliver major projects faster, expand skills training, and strengthen key sectors. And we’re leveraging B.C.’s strengths to be the economic engine of Canada, including our skilled workforce, our natural resources, and ports to deliver to two-thirds of the world as Canada’s gateway to Asian markets.

Look West is a targeted strategy outlining B.C.’s approach for rising to the challenges brought on by Trump’s tariffs and increasing global economic instability, and lays out priorities for the path ahead — to deliver jobs and opportunities for people.

• It builds on our strengths — training up and growing our skilled workforce to deliver major projects, and position people to pursue new jobs and opportunities.
• It generates growth through major projects — ​speeding up permitting and delivering big projects that generate good jobs and economic growth faster.
• It moves us forward — ​delivering sector action plans to diversify and balance our economy, from critical minerals to tech and life sciences, to defence-related industries, maritime and aerospace, and tourism.

It focuses on the sectors that are going to be the most important as we go forward — maritime, aerospace, natural resources, critical minerals, construction and the energy that the world needs, including LNG. And it positions B.C. to work collaboratively and seize opportunities with the federal government as it invests billions of dollars in Canada’s sovereignty, from major projects to national defence to infrastructure.

This strategy recognizes that strong partnerships with First Nations are essential to B.C.’s economic future. Advancing reconciliation is more than a commitment — it is a competitive advantage that positions B.C. to get big things built while creating long-term prosperity for all communities.

Look West is built on the foundation of our commitment to delivering universal public health care, child care, and homes people can afford that are the foundation of a strong economy — and training doctors and nurses, and front-line workers who deliver the services we all rely on.

And it takes the next steps forward in building B.C. into Canada’s economic powerhouse — an independent economy that’s strong, resilient and works better for people.

Work is already underway or upcoming — accelerating economic growth, attracting investment, and spurring on innovation through strategic investment, policy and regulatory streamlining:

• Breaking ground on 18 initial major projects representing $20 billion in spending and 8,000 jobs, with more projects on the way — many in partnership with First Nations.
• Expanding energy infrastructure through the North Coast Transmission Line, creating 9,700 direct jobs and delivering more than 2,200 MW to northern B.C.
• Focused expansion of B.C.’s energy production capacity, including production of 1.3 billion litres of renewable energy (like biofuels) each year by 2030, and ramping up LNG production with new projects that can add at least another 28.5 million tonnes of LNG per year in the next decade.
• Accelerating permitting and expediting new and expanded critical mineral projects, particularly in northwestern B.C. The northwest mining projects, worth more than $29 billion, will create thousands of high-paying jobs, continue building the northwest’s mineral exploration and development pipeline, while protecting our lands and waters.
• Generating more clean low-cost electricity to drive economic growth — a $36-billion investment creating 10,000 jobs.
• Growing B.C.’s skilled workforce to build major projects and expand key sectors — about 75% of people over the age of 25 have post-secondary education, making the province home to one of the best-educated workforces in the world.
• Diversifying the economy and fuelling innovation to increase jobs and GDP contribution by the tech sector by more than 75%.

We’re committed to ongoing, principles-based dialogue with First Nations on B.C.’s economic future, recognizing their essential role in driving economic development. Through this dialogue, we will work together to create certainty, attract investment, and build a balanced portfolio of opportunities that reflects First Nations’ interests in both established and emerging sectors of the economy. These partnerships will ensure First Nations define and benefit from economic development throughout their territories.

Our province is also well-positioned to help Canada reach its defence spending targets while supporting jobs and innovation in B.C.’s emerging and technology sectors. We’re taking a Team Canada approach and helping our provincial and industry partners get Canadian goods to global markets — countries that want our sustainable, dependable and high-quality goods and services built and delivered by our strong workforce.

Together, we can build a brighter future for B.C. and Canada.

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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.'s 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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