PacifiCan works with partners across BC
BRITISH COLUMBIA – PacifiCan is the new federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners across BC who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and supporting inclusive growth in communities across our province.
Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), Harjit S. Sajjan, announced the official opening of new offices in Kelowna and Cranbrook, serving businesses and communities, including Indigenous communities, across the Southern Interior of BC.
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.
“The Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) is excited to welcome PacifiCan to the Kootenays. PacifiCan has been instrumental in developing the West Kootenay innovation ecosystem by supporting KAST initiatives such as the Midas Fab Lab in Trail and the Nelson Innovation Centre in Nelson. KAST looks forward to exciting future partnerships with PacifiCan, supporting new technology and innovation in the Kootenay region,” said Lorri Fehr, Board Chair for KAST.
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 recent launch event for the new service in Kelowna, 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 BC-made solutions that have a global impact.
“We are thrilled to receive PacifiCan funding. The financial support provided from PacifiCan will help expand our domestic manufacturing capabilities, create more sustainable job opportunities in western Canada and accelerate our international market expansion. This funding will be instrumental in supporting our aggressive growth and competitiveness as we expand globally and accelerate our mission to create a sustainable waste free future,” said Jeremy Lang, Founder of Pela.
In August 2021, the Government of Canada launched PacifiCan and announced the plan to open new offices in Campbell River, Cranbrook, Fort St. John, Kelowna, Prince George, Prince Rupert and Victoria. PacifiCan has an existing office in Vancouver and a liaison office in Ottawa. PacifiCan will open a new head office in Surrey.
@canada.ca
