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The Story of PacifiCan: A Development Agency Rooted in Community

In the heart of Canada's western terrain, British Columbia stands as a land of contrasts: towering mountains, lush rainforests, bustling cities, and remote communities. To nurture the economic growth of this diverse province, the Canadian government established Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).

The Diversity of British Columbia

British Columbia (B.C.) is nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, a province of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, including the Indigenous peoples who have lived in B.C. since time immemorial. It is Canada’s gateway to the Indo-Pacific and link to the Northwestern states in the United States. The booming metropolis of Vancouver, with its hot tech scene, stood in contrast to the more remote, resource-endowed communities scattered across the province's interior and coastal islands. Affordability is a key challenge for residents. In September 2024, the average house price in B.C. was $948,226 (the highest in Canada) compared to $669,630 nationwide.

British Columbia: A Data Snapshot

Geography: Westernmost Canadian province, diverse landscape (mountains, coastline, forests), 1,200 km from north to south and 1,050 km from east to west
Population: Approximately 6 million (April 2024), major cities: Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna; 94% of the population lives in southern B.C.
GDP: $304 billion CAD (2023), 9.5% growth compared to 2019
Leading Exports: Coal, natural gas, metallic minerals, lumber, and wood pulp.
Top Ten Industries: Agriculture, Construction, Film & Television, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Forestry, High Technology, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Mining, Tourism
Data Highlights: B.C. has strong data infrastructure and access to a wealth of information for research and decision-making. The provincial government provides open data through its BC Data Catalogue.

A New Era for Economic Development in British Columbia

For 34 years, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) spearheaded federal economic development efforts in Western Canada. Recognizing the region's diverse needs, the government established two new agencies in 2021: PacifiCan for British Columbia and PrairiesCan for the Prairie provinces.

PacifiCan is a regional development agency specifically designed to "support the growth and diversification of British Columbia's economy and advance the interests of the region in national economic policy, programs, and projects." The agency has established a strong presence across B.C., complementing its existing offices in Vancouver and Ottawa. This extensive reach enables direct engagement with businesses and communities throughout the province and reflects the national government's commitment to supporting economic strategies that respond to the characteristics and challenges of each region.

A New Approach to Development

PacifiCan's success is attributed to its work with partners who share its ambition, in addition to PacifiCan’s dedicated staff, many of whom transitioned from WD, bringing valuable experience. Establishing the new agency required a blending seasoned expertise with fresh perspectives. This has been crucial in addressing BC's unique challenges, including pandemic recovery, changes in resource sectors and the aftermath of the Lytton wildfire.

Under the leadership of its inaugural president, Dylan Jones, the agency embarked on a journey of discovery, listening to and learning from the diverse voices that make up the province. By understanding the unique challenges and aspirations of each community, the agency aimed to create economic opportunities that would not only provide reliable, well-paying jobs but also reflect the values and priorities of the people who call B.C. home.

The agency’s core and temporary funding programs aim to advance enduring economic growth and inclusion while also tackling specific opportunities. Interested parties, including businesses, non-profits, and communities, can apply for funding through PacifiCan. Projects are assessed based on their alignment with program goals and their potential for high and lasting impact.

PacifiCan staff at the agency’s annual awards celebration.

Building Bridges, Not Just Businesses

After its first three years of existence, PacifiCan's staff defined its major values as being driven by curiosity and the pursuit of excellence. They recognized that enduring prosperity stems from collaborating with communities and local leaders to help them shape their futures by leveraging their unique strengths and resources.

This approach led to innovative initiatives that resonated with the diverse opportunities of British Columbians. On the northern tip of Vancouver Island, where environmental stewardship is a way of life, the agency supported the development of a circular economy project that aligned with the community's values. In remote Indigenous communities, the agency partnered with local leaders to harness the power of clean energy, bringing both economic opportunities and environmental sustainability through the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI).

PacifiCan also played a crucial role in connecting communities, fostering collaboration between Indigenous communities and neighbouring towns. In Kitimat, a northern B.C. town, the agency supported a unique project where the new Haisla Bridge became a symbol of unity. By working together to choose artwork for the bridge, the town and the neighboring Haisla First Nation forged a deeper understanding and appreciation of one another.

To further advance inclusive growth in B.C., PacifiCan supported 44 projects benefiting businesses of underrepresented groups in fiscal year 2023-24. According to Dylan Jones, "It's about listening to the communities, connecting people, and providing the support they need to realize their own vision for the future."

Embracing Risk, Cultivating Innovation

The agency's journey was not without its challenges. The pandemic and devastating wildfires tested the resilience of communities and required that the new agency focuses on economic growth and economic recovery at the same time. Yet, PacifiCan remained steadfast in its commitment to tailoring its programs and services for the people, which required understanding the opportunities across B.C. and working with willing partners.

As a result, the agency adopted a unique risk-tolerant approach, recognizing that transformative change often requires bold experimentation. By accepting the possibility of short-term failures, PacifiCan aims to unlock the potential for long-term, sustainable growth. For example, PacifiCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity program provides interest-free, repayable funding to companies with potential to fuel economic growth and innovation. This approach resonated with the entrepreneurial spirit of British Columbians who embrace a culture of innovation and resilience.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

PacifiCan's 2023-2024 results report highlights significant achievements as the agency facilitated the creation of over 5,500 jobs, supported $1.74 billion in revenue growth, and assisted 2,800 small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Outgoing president Dylan Jones credited the agency's success to the dedication and passion of its partners and staff, emphasizing trust in empowering communities and individuals to excel. As the agency looks to the future, it faces the task of building on its successes and refining its approach through continual learning. As it evolves, PacifiCan hopes its legacy will be one of putting communities and their aspirations at the heart of its mission and helping to build a brighter future for all British Columbians.

Ribbon cutting ceremony for the PacifiCan-funded Haisla Bridge replacement project in Kitimat, B.C.

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