On February 17, the Provincial Government launched StrongerBC: A Plan for Today, a Vision for Tomorrow, a new long-term economic plan that “puts people first” by investing in skills training, building resilient communities, and positioning BC as a world leader in a low-carbon economy.

As forecasted in BC’s latest Labour Market Outlook, there will be more than one million jobs openings over the next 10 years. The StrongerBC Economic Plan aims to fill those job openings over the next decade through two goals: inclusive growth and clean growth. Meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples remain central to the plan, as do the following key actions:

• Training British Columbians to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow
• Accelerating the timeline to connect all BC communities to high-speed internet
• Creating opportunities for under-represented entrepreneurs
• Expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities
• Establishing an ESG Centre of Excellence to promote Environmental, Social and Governance principles for products and services
• Building more resilient BC businesses by expanding access to global markets

Andrew Mercier, Parliamentary Secretary for Skills Training noted that “with more than 85,000 new trades jobs expected in the next decade, it is imperative that we invest in the educational opportunities and facilities that apprentices and students need to get the job done.”

As one of the first steps in the plan, the BC Government is investing $136.6 million to build a new state-of-the-art Trades and Technology Complex at the BCIT Burnaby campus. Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training said “investing in new trades training infrastructure at BCIT is a crucial part of equipping students for the jobs of the future while supporting a clean, innovative economy. The new Trades and Technology Complex will help ensure future students have access to the best tools, instruction and equipment needed to meet the demand for an estimated 85,000 new trades jobs expected over the next 10 years.”

For more information, visit the BC Government website to read the full news release on the StrongerBC Economic Plan.