Image: A trades student is trained at a B.C. post secondary institution. / File , BC Govt Flickr

By Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee

OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Diversifying and strengthening B.C.’s economy

Nov 26, 2025 | 6:06 AM

British Columbia is one of the most beautiful places to live in the world, and we want people to have good, long lives here. Across the world, people are feeling the effects of global economic instability, and in addition Donald Trump’s unjustified tariffs have been an attack on our sovereignty and our economy. That’s why we’re taking action to stand up for Canadians and make sure that British Columbians are set up to thrive.

Last week, we announced our Look West Industrial and Economic Strategy, a 10-year vision to help grow B.C.’s key industries, create good-paying jobs and strengthen the economy here in the province and across Canada.

Look West helps leverage the province’s strengths, like our natural resource sector and our position as an export gateway. We’re going to make sure we’re investing in revenue building projects that are going to create great jobs for British Columbians and solidify B.C.’s place as Canada’s economic engine.

Across the world, economies are facing challenges and unpredictability, and our Look West plan meets the moment to make sure that in the face of uncertainty, our path forward is bright with opportunities for people in B.C.

Image: A graphic explaining the B.C. government’s Look West Industrial and Economic Strategy. /s Supplied by Govt. of BC

INCLUSIVE WORK PROGRAM

New contract to help employ recycling depot workers facing job loss in Mission

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FATAL CRASH

1 dead after single-vehicle collision at Lougheed Highway Saturday

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Surrey Police Service say a nine-year-old has died after collision with large vehicle

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We’re going to continue to train and grow our skilled workforce by supporting 20,000 training seats for skilled trades to help prepare people to work on nation-building infrastructure projects that will create stable, reliable, well-paying and in-demand jobs.

A key part of our Look West economic strategy is to diversify markets and create new opportunities for British Columbians.

B.C. is leading the charge to break down interprovincial trade barriers, marking the largest set of red tape reduction in Canada – and it’s just the beginning.

The new B.C.-led Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement (CMRA) signed on Nov. 19^th will make it easier for goods that meet the rules in one province or territory to be sold across Canada, without extra approvals, labelling or testing.

This means B.C. businesses can sell across Canada, save time and costs, and expand their reach.

Our plan to attract investment from B.C. is already helping secure federal funds to help with major projects, like the North Coast Transmission Pipeline, that will support Canada’s economy as a whole, and create stable employment for people here in B.C. As Premier Eby said, being so well-represented in the list of major projects that Ottawa is fast-tracking is no accident – we know we have what it takes to be the economic powerhouse of the entire country.

This plan is also working to diversify B.C.’s economy and make sure that we can rely on local industry and help lead Canada in economic growth. Whether it be the critical minerals sector, AI and Quantum, tech, life sciences, defence-related industries, marine or aerospace, B.C. will be investing, building, and exploring ways to build a robust, diverse economy.

To make sure this is a success, we’re working hard to speed up permitting so that we can deliver the projects that are going to help B.C. thrive by generating jobs and economic growth, faster.

B.C. has shown time and time again that we can be economic leaders, and our Look West plan is no different. We will continue to work tirelessly to drive major projects forward that help create prosperous futures for British Columbians.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.