Latest news with #PacificEconomicDevelopmentCanada
Cision Canada
26-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada invests in B.C. tech sector as Canada welcomes the world to Vancouver
On the eve of Web Summit Vancouver, PacifiCan investments showcase Canadian innovation and help position B.C. tech companies for global growth VANCOUVER, BC, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - British Columbia is driving Canada's innovation economy as one of the nation's fastest-growing tech powerhouses. With over 12,000 companies employing more than 182,000 highly skilled workers, B.C.'s tech sector punches well above its weight. PacifiCan is fueling B.C.'s dynamic tech ecosystem by championing homegrown innovation and advancing solutions that tackle real-world challenges. In 2023, PacifiCan announced a $9.9 million investment through Innovate BC to launch the Integrated Marketplace, which helps local companies test technologies in real-world environments. Over the past two years, this investment – alongside support provided by the Province of B.C. – has powered over 30 projects that drive innovation, AI adoption, and economic growth across British Columbia. Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced a new investment in the Integrated Marketplace of over $1.8 million to integrate AI innovation into two projects at local testbeds: At Vancouver International Airport, the investment will support the next phase of a project testing self-driving robotic pods designed to help travelers with mobility challenges move around the airport more easily. At the Provincial Health Services Authority, the funding will advance a project that uses AI to analyze digital images of tissue, facilitating the detection and identification of diseases through the digitization of pathology and other cancer diagnosis processes. This is the first investment announced through PacifiCan's Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative. PacifiCan funding for the Integrated Marketplace is helping innovative businesses bring new technologies to market. It is also reducing the risk of adopting made-in-B.C. technologies while keeping intellectual property, talent, and economic benefits in Canada. This announcement comes as B.C. gets ready to host Web Summit Vancouver – the leading global technology conference that is putting a spotlight on Canada's vibrant innovation scene. PacifiCan is investing $6.6 million for Destination Vancouver to host Web Summit in Vancouver for the next three years. This event will provide a launch pad for local innovators, attract international investors and talent, and further strengthen B.C.'s reputation as a leading hub for technology and entrepreneurship. Quotes "British Columbia's tech sector is a powerhouse, driving prosperity not only across the province, but across Canada. Together, we are creating one Canadian economy and positioning Canada at the forefront of tech nations." -The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada " Using AI to drive and accelerate productivity through robust investments in innovative companies is critical in this moment of crisis. With this investment, PacifiCan is unlocking the growth and security we need for the future of Canada, powering AI for scale, efficiency, and sovereignty. Bold and smart investments like this are required as we build a more resilient and competitive nation to meet this moment of urgency." -The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario "B.C. is home to a strong and collaborative technology ecosystem that is developing made-in-B.C. solutions to global challenges while creating good jobs and opportunities for people across the province. I'm excited to see more funding for the Integrated Marketplace through PacifiCan, and I look forward to seeing the innovative projects that will emerge from this and future investments to strengthen and diversify B.C.'s economy." -The Honourable Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, Province of B.C. "The Integrated Marketplace is a powerful example of how we can accelerate innovation, like AI technologies, and economic growth at the same time, and with this additional funding from PacifiCan we are enhancing two high-impact projects working to improve critical services for British Columbians and customers worldwide. By connecting B.C. companies with real-world adoption opportunities, we're helping them prove and refine their technologies while also delivering transformative solutions for some of our most important industries. This model not only strengthens our provincial economy but also creates a launchpad for these companies to access new markets and scale globally." -Peter Cowan, President and CEO of Innovate BC Quick Facts In May 2025, the Prime Minister of Canada's mandate letter for Ministry members highlighted AI as a key driver for economic growth, job creation, and government innovation to keep Canada competitive in a changing world. Vancouver is home to Canada's fastest-growing life sciences sector, the world's second-largest virtual and augmented reality cluster, and ranks first in North America for high-tech job growth. The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative helps B.C. businesses bring new AI technologies to market and speed up AI adoption across the country. In October 2023, PacifiCan invested $9.9 million in Innovate BC to launch and expand the Integrated Marketplace. This initiative is also supported by the Government of B.C. through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. In June 2024, PacifiCan invested $6.6 million in Destination Vancouver to host Web Summit in Vancouver over three years starting in May 2025. Over the past 10 years, PacifiCan and its predecessor, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), invested over $271 million directly in tech companies and $110 million in not-for-profit organizations that support the sector as a whole. Associated Links 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
The Province
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Province
Former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson named federal housing minister
Delta's Jill McKnight was appointed Veteran Affairs minister and three B.C. MPs were given secretary of state roles. Read more. Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, takes part in the cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 Photo by Christinne Muschi / The Canadian Press Former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson was one of 24 rookie MPs named to a 'small, focused' cabinet by Prime Minister Mark Carney at a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall on Tuesday. 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. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. 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 Robertson will take on the role of housing and infrastructure minister, as well as the minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. He was tapped by Carney to run in the April 28 federal election and won the riding of Vancouver Fraserview-South Burnaby for the Liberals. During the campaign, he identified housing as one of his top issues. Gregor Robertson, left to right, Rebecca Alty, Tim Hodgson, Marjorie Michel arrive for a cabinet swearing-in at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Photo by Spencer Colby / The Canadian Press Carney unveiled a team of 28 ministers and 10 secretaries of state, including 24 who are first-time ministers, in a bid to make a clean break from the tenure of former prime minister Justin Trudeau. Jill McKnight, a political newcomer who won the riding of Delta, was appointed veteran affairs minister and associate minister of national defence. Steven Guilbeault, left to right, Jill McKnight and Anita Anand arrive for a cabinet swearing-in at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Photo by Spencer Colby / The Canadian Press Three B.C. MPs were given secretary of state roles. Randeep Sarai, who represents Surrey Centre, was appointed secretary of state for international development. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Shafqat Ali, left to right, Randeep Sarai, Patty Hajdu, Melanie Joly and Wayne Long arrive for a cabinet swearing-in at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Photo by Spencer Colby / The Canadian Press Stephen Fuhr, who won in the riding of Kelowna, was named secretary of state for defence procurement. John Zerucelli and Stephen Fuhr arrive for a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Photo by Justin Tang / The Canadian Press Stephanie McLean, of Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, is secretary of state for seniors. Veteran Industry Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, the MP for North Vancouver, was left out of cabinet as Carney appeared to try to minimize the number of Trudeau-era ministers he kept in cabinet. Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors), takes part in a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Photo by Christinne Muschi / The Canadian Press Robertson was elected mayor of Vancouver in 2008 on a pledge to end homelessness and served as mayor until 2018. Despite efforts, there were 2,181 homeless in March 2018, the highest since 2005. In an interview with Postmedia in 2018, Robertson said he had expected the provincial and federal government to step up to help end homelessness, and expressed regret for not being 'more abrasive and more vocal' in calling them out for their lack of investments in homelessness and housing. Before serving as mayor, Robertson was a B.C. MLA for the NDP starting 2005 before resigning his seat to run in municipal politics. Before entering federal politics, Robertson was global ambassador for the Global Covenant of Mayors. chchan@ Read More Sports News Vancouver Canucks National GlobeNewswire
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gregor Robertson returns to tackle Canada's real estate crisis as new Federal Housing Minister
Former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson is back in the spotlight. He has been named Canada's new Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. The announcement came Tuesday as Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed his new cabinet. This assignment is Robertson's return to politics since stepping down as Vancouver's mayor in 2018. He served as mayor for a decade and was known for focusing on housing and sustainability. Now, he is taking on housing at the national level. Robertson will also be the Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. That means he will be key in funding and planning projects in B.C. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play this game for 3 minutes, if you own a mouse Undo Canada' real estate challenges Housing is one of Canada's biggest challenges right now. Many Canadians are struggling to find affordable places to live. In cities like Vancouver, housing prices and rents have soared recently. Prime Minister Carney said tackling housing will be a top priority for his government. Live Events Robertson's appointment signals that Ottawa wants experienced hands on the file. During his time as mayor, Robertson pushed for more rental housing, supported co-ops, and worked with developers to build affordable units. Still, he faced criticism for not doing enough to stop rising home prices. Since leaving office, Robertson has worked in the private and nonprofit sectors. He focused on climate action and urban sustainability. His return to federal politics suggests a renewed push to connect housing with long-term planning and infrastructure. In a statement, Robertson said he is 'honoured to serve Canadians again' and looks forward to helping create 'affordable, livable communities.' Critics and supporters alike will be watching closely. Many hope for fast action and bold ideas to ease the housing crunch.
