Government of Canada invests in British Columbia's hydrogen and fuel cell sector
VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - British Columbia is home to Canada's largest hydrogen and fuel cell cluster, powering low-emission energy solutions. With over half of all hydrogen companies in the country and 1,350 full-time workers, B.C. has what it takes to meet global demand in this rapidly growing market.
Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of $466,956 in the Canadian Hydrogen Association to expand B.C. hydrogen and fuel cell companies into markets around the world.
With this investment, the Canadian Hydrogen Association will help B.C. companies attract investment, seize export opportunities and grow here at home. The association will also showcase B.C. companies on international platforms – including today's hy-fcell International Expo and Conference in Vancouver, where global hydrogen experts come together.
This investment was provided through PacifiCan's Regional Innovation Ecosystem program. It will support 40 small- and medium-sized businesses, contributing to jobs and growth here in B.C. and a strong economy for all Canadians.
In May 2024, PacifiCan also announced an investment of more than $9.4 million to launch the Clean Hydrogen Hub at Simon Fraser University. The Hub works with partners, including the Canadian Hydrogen Association, to advance hydrogen production and technologies both at home and abroad.
Quotes
"With clean energy innovation, British Columbians are leading Canada into the hydrogen economy. This investment supports good jobs, lower emissions, and a stronger Canadian economy—built for today and the future."
-The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for PacifiCan
"British Columbia is well-positioned to become a leading exporter of hydrogen, hydrogen technologies and related services by capitalizing on its world-leading industry and research expertise, proximity to key markets and abundant natural resources. Our sector is grateful to PacifiCan for its support as we accelerate our efforts to expand export of, and investment interest in, BC hydrogen capabilities and products."
, Interim President and CEO, Canadian Hydrogen Association
PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating good jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout our province.
PacifiCan's Regional Innovation Ecosystems program invests across British Columbia, building economic strength that includes underrepresented groups and boosts companies to innovating locally and competing globally.
The Canadian Hydrogen Association works to advance the role of hydrogen and hydrogen technology solutions in Canada and abroad, representing over 200 organizations.
Associated Links
PacifiCan
Regional Innovation Ecosystems program
Canadian Hydrogen Association
hy-fcell Canada 2025
Stay connected
Follow PacifiCan on X and LinkedIn
Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388
SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Sun
11 minutes ago
- Toronto Sun
Canada pledges $30M in Gaza aid, $10M for Palestinian Authority work toward statehood
Canada is not joining France in recognizing a Palestinian state Published Jul 28, 2025 • 4 minute read Canadian Foreign Ministe Anita Anand speaks at a conference on a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians at UN headquarters on July 28, 2025 in New York City. Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images OTTAWA — While Canada is not joining France in recognizing a Palestinian state, it is funding the Palestinian Authority's preparations to lead a globally recognized country that includes Gaza and the West Bank. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Ottawa is also adding $30 million to its humanitarian funding for desperate Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. 'The Palestinian question is at the heart of any hope for long-term stability in the Middle East,' Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told a major United Nations conference Monday in New York. 'A workable Palestinian state needs legitimate, democratic governance that serves all Palestinian people.' The conference was convened by France and Saudi Arabia to find ways to preserve the two-state solution. Canada has for decades been among those calling for the eventual creation of a Palestinian country that would exist in peace alongside Israel. Ottawa and other countries have increasingly expressed the concern that the Israeli government is trying to make a Palestinian state impossible. Some Israeli ministers have called for the population of Gaza to be concentrated in a small area or resettled to other countries. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Read More Anand highlighted concerns about Palestinian governance in her remarks to dozens of her counterparts gathered in New York. The Palestinian Authority currently controls large parts of the West Bank through the Fatah party. Hamas has full control of Gaza. Neither territory has held an election since 2006, and polls by the anti-corruption Aman Coalition think tank have found widespread concerns about corruption in both governments. Anand said Hamas can't have a role in governing a Palestinian state, while the Palestinian Authority must undergo 'comprehensive reforms necessary to govern Gaza and the West Bank.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. She announced Canada will spend $10 million this year 'to accelerate reform and capacity-building for the Palestinian Authority.' She also announced aid funding for Palestinians in Gaza. 'For this critical aid to reach those in need, humanitarian partners must be granted safe and unhindered access to civilians in Gaza,' Anand said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that only a 'minimal' amount of aid is being allowed into the territory, and rejected the assertion of multiple international organizations that starvation is happening in Gaza. Earlier in the day, Anand said the decades-long conflict is being driven by the duelling narratives through which Israelis and Palestinians perceive the conflict, and that peace requires a shared reality. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. She also called for Hamas to release its hostages and for Israel to stop 'relentless settlement expansion' in the West Bank. 'Peace is not only about borders and agreements. It is also about shared stories and understanding that humanize all sides and foster trust,' Anand said. Ottawa is co-leading an initiative with Qatar and Mexico aimed at finding ways to build that momentum. 'This moment demands political courage and resolve, and we must stand together and choose a different path, one that leads toward a sustainable and a just solution,' Anand said. The Trump administration criticized the conference. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce called it 'an unproductive and ill-timed' event that amounts to a 'publicity stunt' that could compromise talks for a ceasefire in Gaza. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The U.S. argued the conference will prolong the war and embolden Hamas, calling it 'a slap in the face to the victims of Oct. 7.' U.S. President Donald Trump pushed Netanyahu on Monday to allow more aid into Gaza. Earlier Monday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa will work with its peers on recognizing a future Palestinian state 'that does not include Hamas in any role.' At a news conference in Prince Edward Island, he accused Israel and its settlers of a 'lack of respect' for 'the territorial integrity of Palestine, in the West Bank.' Carney referred to the area as Palestine instead of the 'Palestinian territories,' the term that Canadian government officials almost always use. He said Canadians 'deplore the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza' and also 'condemned what has caused this situation. It starts with Hamas and the deplorable terrorist attacks of Oct. 7,' 2023. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs welcomed Carney's rejection of a role for Hamas in governing a Palestinian state. 'The path forward begins with sustained pressure on Hamas to release all Israeli hostages and ensure that no actions embolden Hamas to continue its campaign of violence,' wrote CEO Noah Shack. He added that Canada should 'work with international partners to disarm Hamas and ultimately remove them from Gaza and the West Bank.' The Trudeau government changed Canada's policy on Palestine statehood last November, saying that Ottawa could offer recognition before peace talks conclude instead of first requiring a successful peace deal with Israel. Carney said in June that there must be 'a Zionist, if you will, Palestinian state that recognizes the right of Israel to exist.' MLB Golf Toronto & GTA World Celebrity
Vancouver Sun
11 minutes ago
- Vancouver Sun
Scare tactic or dangerous threat? Hong Kong activists living in B.C. react to police bounties
Hong Kong police have placed a bounty for information leading to the arrests of 19 pro-democracy activists living outside Hong Kong, including four in the Lower Mainland. The local residents are Victor Ho, Elsa Chain Lai Chun, Tony Lam, and Alan Keung Ka-wai. Keung and Lam were recently elected members of Hong Kong's Parliament, an expat organization that promotes democracy in Hong Kong. Keung has been in Canada for four months and is applying for refugee status. Born in Hong Kong, the 34-year-old said he has been arrested nine times by the authorities there, and jailed twice. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. He said police now want to arrest him because of his election to the Hong Kong Parliament, which was founded in Toronto in 2022. It recently conducted an online vote among the Hong Kong diaspora, and met virtually for the first time July 21. 'It's ridiculous,' said Keung, who was a pastor in a small church. 'I leave Hong Kong, I try to do something, (and) that is my freedom (to do so). Canada is a freedom of speech country, so I can say anything I want to say, I can do anything. 'The Chinese, the (Communist) government, they're doing this to me, (and) it is ridiculous. They try to control our freedom, even when we go outside to (another) country.' Keung said he is worried he could be kidnapped and brought back to Hong Kong for trial. 'Yeah … you know they have a lot of overseas police stations. Maybe my situation is kind of dangerous, maybe somebody will kidnap me or do bad things to me, secretly. '(But) we have to fight for democracy for Hong Kongers.' Keung said he hasn't been contacted by Canadian authorities about the arrest warrant in Hong Kong. But two federal cabinet ministers in Prime Minister Mark Carney's government have issued a joint condemnation of the arrest order. 'The actions taken by Hong Kong threaten the sovereignty of Canada and security of the people in this country,' said the statement by Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. 'This attempt by Hong Kong authorities to conduct transnational repression abroad, including by issuing threats, intimidation or coercion against Canadians or those in Canada, will not be tolerated.' There are two levels of reward for information leading to the arrests of the pro-democracy activists. The reward is 200,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $25,500) for 15 people, including Keung. The 70-year-old Ho is one of four activists whose arrest reward is one million Hong Kong dollars ($127,500). But Ho doesn't seem too worried. He has been the subject of two previous orders for his arrest. 'It wouldn't happen in Canada,' said Ho, who immigrated to Canada in 1997 and became a Canadian citizen in 2001. 'I cannot imagine they would use this extreme method (kidnapping) to get me back to Hong Kong. I'm not Jimmy Lai (a businessman arrested in Hong Kong).' He thinks the order by the Hong Kong police is 'just a scare strategy' designed to intimidate supporters of the new Hong Kong Parliament. 'They issued the arrest warrant just to want to frighten,' said Ho, a former editor of the Sing Tao newspaper in Vancouver. 'They want to scare other Hong Kong fellows, 'Don't contact these fugitives and don't give money for them.'' The Hong Kong Parliament has been called a subversive organization by the Hong Kong police, and the 19 charged have been accused of violating a national security law imposed by Beijing. Ho was one of the organizers of the Hong Kong Parliament, but didn't stand for office. It is a relatively small organization — only 15,702 people voted in its election. But Ho still thinks the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities still see it as a threat. 'The nature of the Hong Kong Parliament is promoting direct elections for all Hong Kong people, (but the authorities) don't want to implement universal suffrage for Hong Kong,' said Ho. 'They fear that message will ignite political emotion in Hong Kong proper, or among the Hong Kong people (and) community around the globe.' jmackie@
Montreal Gazette
11 minutes ago
- Montreal Gazette
Letters: Don't want to be a slave to tech? Don't own a phone. Like me
Josh Freed nails it. These days, everyone is outsourcing their brains to their phones. Can't do math? Ask Siri. Can't get anywhere? Ask Waze. Can't remember your best friend's number? No need, your contacts app does, same with their birthdays. Even basic memory, focus and orientation seem to be slipping away with every scroll and swipe. But there's a fix: Don't own a phone. Like me. Hard to believe, I know, but I walk among you. A unicorn in the age of dopamine pings. No cell. No apps. No constant tether to a digital leash. And the result? I remember phone numbers. I look up. I ask strangers for directions and survive. I even listen when people talk. I get through meals, walks and full conversations without being interrupted by a buzz, ding or the urge to check a screen. I don't stop mid-task to answer a call or chase a notification. My time is my own. My thoughts are my own. And it's great! People say, 'I could never live without my phone.' I say, sure you could; you just don't want to. So if you're tired of forgetting why you walked into a room, maybe it's time to stop cradling the culprit. Want your memory back? Your attention span? A working sense of direction? Try the one thing tech companies hope you never will: Put the phone down, or better yet, don't even buy one. Lindi Ross, Carignan Pension funds should 'buy local,' too Pension fund money is made up of deductions from our earnings in Canada and surely should be invested in Canada. I know fund managers must achieve maximum returns to cover payouts, but at a time when Canada desperately needs investments to expand and create business that will enable us to become more independent of the U.S., I believe these funds should not be invested in U.S businesses. Local investment is surely better for Canada than foreign investment. Canadian successful startups must not be bought out by American firms, as happens too often, but should be encouraged by local investment. We, the public, are trying to buy more local products; why shouldn't pension funds? Jeff Ware, Pointe-Claire Spoke in the wheel of Bixi? Re: ' Bixi launches bike trailers — but don't put pets in there ' (The Gazette, July 22) We're told children and pets are not permitted in Bixi's new rental trailers. But unless police strictly enforce their proper use, I fear it may be too tempting for some to break those rules. And speaking of safety, when is the city going to enact a mandatory helmet rule for all cyclists? Ian Copnick, Côte-St-Luc Submitting a letter to the editor Letters should be sent by email to letters@ We prioritize letters that respond to, or are inspired by, articles published by The Gazette. If you are responding to a specific article, let us know which one. Letters should be sent uniquely to us. The shorter they are — ideally, fewer than 200 words — the greater the chance of publication. Timing, clarity, factual accuracy and tone are all important, as is whether the writer has something new to add to the conversation. We reserve the right to edit and condense all letters. Care is taken to preserve the core of the writer's argument. Our policy is not to publish anonymous letters, those with pseudonyms or 'open letters' addressed to third parties. Letters are published with the author's full name and city or neighbourhood/borough of residence. Include a phone number and address to help verify identity; these will not be published. We will not indicate to you whether your letter will be published. If it has not been published within 10 days or so, it is not likely to be.
