Government of Canada invests over $11 million to strengthen businesses, jobs and communities in Northern B.C.
As global trade pressures persist, the Government of Canada is focused on building Canada strong by investing in our businesses, strengthening our domestic capacity, boosting productivity, and opening new markets for Canadian products.
Last week, the government announced a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced measures for workers and businesses, including an additional $1.5 billion for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to provide businesses affected by trade disruptions with greater access to liquidity and support for productivity, market diversification, and stronger supply chains. Businesses in British Columbia can apply for the enhanced RTRI program through PacifiCan starting September 8, 2026.
Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $11 million for ten businesses and organizations across Northern B.C. to support jobs, productivity, and growth, including in key industries affected by global trade disruptions, such as the advanced manufacturing and forest sectors. These investments will help the region navigate current trade challenges while building skills, expanding economic participation, and creating new opportunities for long-term growth in local communities.
Minister Robertson made the announcement following a visit to Open Waters Solar, a Prince George manufacturer of impact-resistant solar panels for marine and transportation applications. A PacifiCan investment of $450,000 will help the company automate its manufacturing processes, upgrade its facility, and train employees to increase production capacity and efficiency. The project will support skilled jobs, strengthen clean technology manufacturing in Northern B.C., and help bring Canadian-made products to more domestic and international customers.
"We are grateful for PacifiCan’s support, which enables Open Waters Solar to scale manufacturing of our breakthrough technology, drive productivity through automation, attract investment, and create high-paying jobs in Northern BC. This funding positions us to expand our reach in European markets and compete on a global scale." — Tony Olynyk, Chief Commercial Officer, Open Waters Solar
