B.C. program to fund $29M for minorities in tech

VANCOUVER - The B.C. government is teaming up with community partners, spending millions to get more women and minorities into the technology sector.

The government, Crown agency Innovate B.C., the Information and Communications Technology Council and Mitacs are spending a total of $29 million to create 3,000 jobs for those entering the technology sector this year.

We’ve announced $29M for the revamped Innovator Skills Initiative Grant to create 3000 jobs & strengthen diversity in the tech sector!

Thanks @BrendaBaileyBC for leading engagement & @innovate_BC @ictc_ctic & @mitacscanada for leading on this program!👇🏾https://t.co/fVIdnBL0fV

— Ravi Kahlon (@KahlonRav) September 27, 2021

The government asked for feedback from more than 20 organizations and reviewed hundreds of surveys from businesses and individuals who support equity-seeking initiatives to determine how best to distribute the funding.

The program is based on the Innovator Skills Initiative and would provide companies with up to $10,000 per employee for the first four months, but the grant amount has been increased and preference is given to employers hiring those who are a minority or part of the LGBTQ community.

Brenda Bailey, the parliamentary secretary for technology and innovation, says the goal now is to revamp the existing program to create a more inclusive and sustainable technology economy.

B.C. Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says this is one way the government is working to reinvigorate the job market by providing employers the funding they need to create jobs for those most affected by the pandemic.

He says the pandemic has been disproportionately hard on women and Indigenous and Black communities for employment.

"We want to ensure everyone gets an opportunity to benefit from economic recovery."