The federal government is investing in British Columbia.
Specifically, Canada unveiled $11 million for 10 organizations in Northern B.C. to help upgrade technology, upskill workers, and improve operations in the face of “global trade pressures.”
The funding hails from PacifiCan’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative, a coordinated effort to protect Canadians from the impacts of tariffs, and the Community Economic Development and Diversification Program, which aims to create enduring economic benefits for British Columbians by investing in local projects.
Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson made the announcement following a visit to Open Waters Solar, a Prince George manufacturer of impact-resistant solar panels for marine and transportation applications.
“Northern B.C. businesses, workers, and communities are vital to Canada’s economic strength,” posits Robertson.
A PacifiCan investment of $450,000 will help Open Waters automate its manufacturing processes, upgrade its facility, and train employees to increase production capacity and efficiency.
Originally inspired by a personal passion project for sailing, Open Waters Solar has developed a special composite material that suspends solar cells inside a protective layer to enable protective rigidity with versatile flexibility for products such as SolaDek, a walkable solar-powered flooring solution.
Earlier this year, Niki Kearl of Open Waters Solar won the inaugural Beaver’s Den Pitch Competition during Vancouver Starup Week.
“We are grateful for PacifiCan’s support, which enables Open Waters Solar to scale manufacturing of our breakthrough technology, drive productivity through automation, attract investment, and create high-paying jobs in Northern BC,” commented chief commercial officer Tony Olynyk. “This funding positions us to expand our reach in European markets and compete on a global scale.”
The investment round also includes nearly $3M for the University of British Columbia to support pilot projects targeting the testing and deployment of drone-delivery technology as well as workforce training and youth skills development.
“These investments will help businesses improve productivity, strengthen supply chains, and reach new markets, while expanding skills and economic opportunities,” Robertson stated.
Since 2021, PacifiCan has invested over $33 million in 85 projects located in Northern B.C.
“We are supporting good jobs, growing businesses, and building a stronger Canadian economy,” the federal minister remarked.
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