National

Joly touts new development agency for B.C.

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 22 Jan, 2021 10:27 PM

The federal economic development minister says businesses in B.C. want to work with a new development agency that Ottawa is working to create in the province.

Melanie Joly says she's heard similar comments from entrepreneurs and business owners across B.C. about the need for a home-based agency, including during an online forum today with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

#BritishColumbia's economy was in a period of rapid growth & diversification before the pandemic but it has been hit hard in this crisis. We need to ensure that we accelerate its recovery and foster inclusive future growth. So glad to join @BoardofTrade today to discuss our plan. pic.twitter.com/fjEjcYKOou
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) January 22, 2021

Joly says the promised B.C.-based economic development agency will provide targeted economic support and relief to businesses.

She says she's heard in panel discussions with business leaders about the distance between the federal government and B.C. as entrepreneurs argue for an agency that is closer to home.

Joly, who is also the minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, says B.C. entrepreneurs have told her the province's economy was growing before the COVID-19 pandemic and they need help now to get them through it.

Joly says last December's federal economic update promised an economic stimulus package of about $100 billion this year.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

COVID-19 deaths hit racialized communities hardest: Stats Can

The report's authors say it is more evidence that the pandemic is disproportionately affecting visible minorities, who are more likely to live in overcrowded housing and work in jobs that put them more at risk of exposure to COVID-19.

COVID-19 deaths hit racialized communities hardest: Stats Can

EI commissioners: start review of safety net now

The shortcomings in EI, flagged for years by experts, have been exposed by the pandemic, including that not every worker is covered, nor can everyone who is covered get benefits when they need them.

EI commissioners: start review of safety net now

Steep drop in right whale population raises fears

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that as of January 2019, an estimated 366 North Atlantic right whales remained in the ocean, down from the previous count of 412 in 2018. Oceana Canada campaign director Kim Elmslie said the decline is "a reality check."

Steep drop in right whale population raises fears

Innovation minister defends 'superclusters'

The B.C.-based Digital Technology supercluster invested recently in a machine-learning chest X-ray tool that helps doctors identify lung abnormalities.

Innovation minister defends 'superclusters'

Meng lawyer accuses RCMP officer of lying

Yep is the first in a series of witnesses called to testify at the request of Meng's defence team, which is gathering evidence for arguments it will make next year that she was subjected to an abuse of process.

Meng lawyer accuses RCMP officer of lying

$16 Million in Federal Funding for Affordable Housing Allocated to Surrey

The injection of money is a result of the federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative and will create a minimum of 33 units of new permanent affordable housing in Surrey.