BRITISH COLUMBIA – Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) has announced a $2.5 million investment aimed at helping businesses across British Columbia access new markets and navigate trade requirements in a shifting global economy.
Of the total investment, $1.2 million is being directed to Community Futures British Columbia (CFBC) to continue operating the Export Navigator program. This initiative matches B.C. businesses with local export advisors who offer customized guidance to help them expand into new international markets. More than 1,200 businesses have benefited from Export Navigator to date, including 280 companies in the Thompson-Okanagan region.
“We’re grateful for the meaningful support offered by PacifiCan, which allows Export Navigator to continue helping B.C. businesses succeed in new markets. This important funding to CFBC ensures Export Navigator’s ability to provide support for businesses throughout communities in urban and rural British Columbia. CUSMA compliance is a key factor for businesses navigating trade with our US partners. Additional funding for the CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative will assist businesses to access trade consultants and specialists, helping guide them through the complex world of trade,” stated Kath Britton, Director of Program Operations at Export Navigator.
An additional $1.3 million in PacifiCan funding is allocated to help CFBC and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) assist businesses in managing the complexities of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The U.S. is B.C.’s primary export market and represented 57.3% of exports in 2022.
These funds will support two targeted initiatives with the first being, the CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI). Funding of $900,000 will enable CFBC to deliver expert support through Export Navigator, including access to advisors and up to $5,000 in funding to offset the costs of CUSMA compliance.
For a product to qualify under CUSMA, it must meet certain rules about where and how it was made. Exporters must get a Certificate of Origin to show their product meets these rules which allows them to get reduced tariffs when trading with the U.S. and Mexico.
Also funded is a Trade Education Series by GVBOT in the amount of $380,500 to support a series of webinars and in-person sessions in six B.C. communities. These events will connect businesses with professionals such as lawyers and customs brokers to provide hands-on guidance on meeting CUSMA requirements.
Business Examiner
