Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $11 million for ten businesses and organizations across Northern B.C. to support jobs, productivity, and growth, including in key industries affected by global trade disruptions, such as the advanced manufacturing and forestry sectors. These investments will help the region navigate current trade challenges while building skills, expanding economic participation, and creating new opportunities for long-term growth in local communities.

The investments announced today are:

Regional Tariff Response Initiative

BKB Cedar Manufacturing – $672,500

BKB Cedar Manufacturing is a McBride-based company that manufactures and supplies Western Red Cedar landscaping mulch, and split rail and post fencing for stores across Canada and the U.S. The investment will support the installation of a first-of-its-kind precision cedar processing system that will improve operational efficiency while reducing waste. This project will help BKB Cedar Manufacturing grow its sales, strengthen domestic supply chains, and support jobs in a rural community. 

East Fraser Fiber Co. Ltd. – $475,000

East Fraser Fiber produces sustainable wood products using fibre recovered from residual materials. With this investment, the company will replace aging machinery at its Mackenzie facility. The project will strengthen B.C.’s forest sector and manufacturing supply chains, increase domestic sales of construction-grade lumber, support market diversification, and help secure skilled jobs in northern B.C.

Great Glacier Salmon Ltd. – $223,500

Great Glacier Salmon is a Prince Rupert-based business that processes and distributes wild salmon harvested from the Lower Stikine River. The investment will support upgrades to processing and loading equipment, as well as modifications to a transport vessel, to create new Canadian distribution routes for frozen salmon. This project will strengthen Canada’s seafood supply chain, expand interprovincial trade, and support job creation and economic growth.

North Pine Farmers institute (NPFI) – $2,000,000

NPFI operates a grain terminal in Fort St. John that serves agricultural producers across Northeastern British Columbia. The investment will help NPFI expand grain storage and improve loading and transportation capacity at its facility. This project will strengthen supply chains, improve market access for farm businesses, support market diversification, and help producers respond to changing trade conditions.

Open Waters Solar – $450,000

Based in Prince George, Open Waters Solar manufactures impact-resistant solar panels for marine and transportation applications. The investment will help the company automate its manufacturing processes, upgrade its facility, and train employees to increase production capacity and efficiency. The project will support skilled jobs, strengthen clean technology manufacturing in Northern B.C. and help bring Canadian-made clean energy products to more domestic and international customers.

SkyWest Environmental Contracting Inc. – $1,000,000

SkyWest Environmental Contracting is an Indigenous-owned company based in Williams Lake that provides forestry, excavation, and environmental services across the Cariboo region. The investment will help the company purchase specialized equipment to improve the collection and transportation of fibre. This will support jobs, strengthen domestic forest sector supply chains, and create new revenue opportunities in Canadian markets.

Community Economic Development and Diversification program

BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) – $1,230,000

The BCAFN supports and represents First Nations across British Columbia. The investment will help establish the First Nations Centre of Excellence in Prince George, which will provide economic and business development advisory services for northern First Nations communities. The project will help Indigenous communities and businesses participate in major resource, infrastructure, and clean energy projects, and support increased Indigenous participation in B.C.’s economy.

Indigenous Food Sovereignty Association – $1,600,040

The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Association delivers Indigenous-led training and workforce development programs at Tea Creek Farm in Kitwanga. This investment will support the construction of a multi-functional trades training centre and food hub for Indigenous learners from rural and remote communities. The project will expand access to trades and entrepreneurship training, strengthen food security, and create new employment and business opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

Portland Canal Terminals LP – $672,134 

Portland Canal Terminals LP is a Stewart-based port operator and Indigenous-led partnership between the Nisga’a Nation, Tahltan Nation, and Arrow Transportation Systems. This investment will support engineering studies, operational modelling, and implementation planning for the modernization and expansion of the Port of Stewart. The project will help strengthen supply chain infrastructure, support critical minerals exports, and create economic opportunities in Northwest B.C. and Indigenous communities.

University of British Columbia (UBC) – $2,861,053

UBC is working with communities in northern B.C. to test how drone technology can be used to deliver goods and services to rural and remote areas. This investment will support the testing and deployment of drone technology, workforce training, youth skills development, and pilot projects with the Stellat’en First Nation and the Village of Fraser Lake. The project will strengthen regional supply chains, create skilled jobs and business opportunities, support Indigenous economic participation, and help diversify the northern B.C. economy.

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