New offices and expanded footprint will better support local economic development for British Columbians in the Southern Interior.
From the Coast Mountains to the Kootenays, British Columbians across the Southern Interior are coming together to build their businesses and create vibrant communities. PacifiCan is here to help.
PacifiCan is the new federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners across B.C. who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and supporting inclusive growth in communities across our province.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) announced the official opening of new offices in Kelowna and Cranbrook, serving businesses and communities, including Indigenous communities, across the Southern Interior of B.C.
Anchored by communities like Kamloops and Kelowna – some of the fastest growing cities in Canada – the region is known for its world-class skill hills, wines and cherries and is also home to a thriving tech community and innovative forestry and mining sectors. PacifiCan’s expanded footprint will help British Columbians in the Southern Interior build a stronger economy. With PacifiCan staff living and working in the region, British Columbians can better access high-impact, local investments and quality advice to advance the Southern Interior’s diverse economic interests.
At a launch event for the new service in Kelowna today, Minister Sajjan also announced over $6.3 million in PacifiCan funding for four dynamic businesses in the Southern Interior. This includes over $3.6 million for Pela, a Kelowna-based company reducing plastic waste from consumer products. With this funding, Pela will hire new staff, acquire new facilities, and target new markets for its products, including the world’s first compostable phone cases. Companies like Pela are creating jobs, attracting talent, and fostering B.C.-made solutions that have a global impact.
Originally posted on Accelerate Okanagan by Sara Scott on November 16, 2022 available here.
