Canada Invests More Than $11 Million in Northern B.C. as Businesses, Jobs and Supply Chains Face Global Trade Pressure

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

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September 5, 2026 12:38 AM

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Canada is investing more than $11 million in Northern B.C., putting businesses, jobs and supply chains at the centre of a major economic response. As global trade pressure intensifies, companies are confronting higher costs, disrupted logistics and uncertain markets. Therefore, the new funding aims to strengthen local businesses while protecting employment and improving productivity. The investment also targets infrastructure, skills and Indigenous-led economic development.

Meanwhile, key projects in manufacturing, ports, trades and food security could reshape economic opportunities across the region. As a result, Northern B.C. is gaining fresh support to withstand trade shocks, diversify its economy and build stronger foundations for future growth.

Northern British Columbia is set for a major economic boost after the Canadian government announced more than $11 million for 10 businesses and organisations, with the funding aimed at protecting jobs, improving productivity and strengthening communities.

Northern B.C. receives new investment amid trade uncertainty

The Government of Canada announced the investment on September 4, 2026, in Prince George, British Columbia, as businesses across the region contend with rising costs, supply-chain disruptions and changing global trade conditions.

The funding, delivered through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), is designed to help northern businesses adapt while improving their ability to compete in domestic and international markets.

The initiative comes as Canada responds to continuing tariff and trade pressures affecting industries across the country. The federal government recently announced a broader $7.5 billion package of measures for workers and businesses, including an additional $1.5 billion for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).

British Columbia businesses affected by trade disruption will be able to apply for the enhanced RTRI programme through PacifiCan from September 8, 2026.

Solar manufacturing gets productivity boost

One of the projects highlighted in the announcement is Open Waters Solar, a Prince George-based manufacturer producing impact-resistant solar panels for marine and transportation applications.

The company will receive $450,000 from PacifiCan to automate manufacturing operations, upgrade its facility and provide employee training.

The investment is intended to increase production capacity and operational efficiency while supporting skilled employment in Northern B.C.

It also highlights the growing role of clean technology manufacturing in the region, particularly as businesses seek to develop products for Canadian and international customers.

For the wider visitor economy, stronger local manufacturing capacity can have an indirect but important effect. More resilient businesses, employment and infrastructure can help communities maintain the economic foundations needed to support tourism, transportation and other services.

Port of Stewart expansion could strengthen regional connections

Another significant investment is being directed towards Portland Canal Terminals LP, a Stewart-based port operator and Indigenous-led partnership.

The organisation is receiving $672,134 for engineering studies and planning connected to the modernisation and expansion of the Port of Stewart.

The project is expected to strengthen supply-chain infrastructure and support critical-minerals exports, while creating potential economic opportunities in Northwest B.C. and Indigenous communities.

For Northern B.C., ports are strategically important because they connect remote communities and industries with wider Canadian and international markets. Improved infrastructure can also increase regional resilience by giving businesses stronger transportation and logistics options.

$1.6 million for Indigenous training and food hub

The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Association in Kitwanga is receiving one of the largest individual investments announced.

The organisation will receive $1.6 million to help build a multi-functional trades training centre and food hub for Indigenous learners from rural and remote communities.

The facility is expected to expand access to trades and entrepreneurship training while supporting food security and creating new employment and business opportunities.

The investment also reflects a broader economic challenge facing Northern B.C.: ensuring that people in rural and remote communities can access skills development and participate directly in new economic opportunities.

What the investment means for Northern B.C.

The federal government says the combined investments will support businesses and organisations across Northern B.C. in responding to changing global conditions.

The focus extends beyond immediate financial assistance. Automation, workforce training, infrastructure planning, market development and economic diversification are all part of the strategy.

That approach could prove particularly important for Northern B.C., where communities often depend heavily on resource industries and face greater logistical challenges than larger urban centres.

For tourism and travel, the wider economic impact matters. Stronger communities, improved infrastructure, skilled workforces and more diversified local economies can contribute to a more stable environment for tourism operators, transport providers, accommodation businesses and other visitor-facing companies.

A longer-term strategy for economic resilience

The $11 million-plus announcement is therefore more than a collection of individual business grants. It forms part of Canada’s broader response to an increasingly uncertain global trading environment.

By supporting manufacturing, ports, skills training and Indigenous economic participation, Ottawa is seeking to strengthen Northern B.C.’s capacity to withstand external shocks while creating new opportunities.

The immediate objective is to help businesses navigate today’s pressures. The longer-term goal is more ambitious: a Northern B.C. economy with stronger supply chains, better-skilled workers, greater market access and a broader range of industries.

For communities across the region, that resilience could ultimately influence not only employment and investment, but also the infrastructure and economic conditions that underpin future travel and tourism growth.

“Northern B.C. businesses, workers and communities are vital to Canada’s economic strength. These investments will help businesses improve productivity, strengthen supply chains and reach new markets, while expanding skills and economic opportunities in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. By responding to today’s trade pressures and investing in the North’s long-term potential, we are supporting good jobs, growing businesses, and building a stronger Canadian economy.”

-The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada 

“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. This funding positions us to expand our reach in European markets and compete on a global scale.”

-Tony Olynyk, Chief Commercial Officer, Open Waters Solar

“Canada’s decision to invest more than $11 million in Northern B.C. is a timely and constructive step towards strengthening businesses, protecting jobs and building more resilient communities. Supporting advanced manufacturing, port infrastructure, workforce development and Indigenous-led initiatives demonstrates a clear commitment to long-term economic growth. These investments can also create a stronger foundation for tourism, travel and regional connectivity by supporting healthier local economies and better infrastructure. At Travel And Tour World, we recognise the importance of such initiatives in helping destinations adapt to global economic pressures. Strategic investment today can create lasting opportunities for businesses, workers and communities tomorrow.” — Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World

The cause is clear: global trade pressure, tariffs, rising costs and supply-chain disruption are placing businesses and jobs under strain. The answer is targeted investment. Canada is directing more than $11 million towards 10 businesses and organisations across Northern B.C. to improve productivity, modernise infrastructure, develop skills and expand economic opportunities. The reason extends beyond immediate relief. Stronger businesses can protect employment, increase production and reach new markets, while improved infrastructure can make regional supply chains more resilient. At the same time, Indigenous-led training and entrepreneurship projects can broaden participation in economic growth. Together, these measures aim to create a stronger, more diversified Northern B.C. economy.

Canada’s more than $11 million investment signals a significant effort to help Northern B.C. navigate global trade pressure without sacrificing businesses, jobs or supply chains. The funding targets practical needs, from advanced manufacturing and port infrastructure to workforce development and Indigenous entrepreneurship. Consequently, projects such as Open Waters Solar’s factory upgrades, Port of Stewart planning and the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Association’s training centre could deliver benefits well beyond their individual organisations. More productive companies can compete more effectively, while stronger infrastructure can improve the movement of goods and support new markets. At the same time, skills training can help rural and remote communities capture a larger share of emerging opportunities. Although trade conditions remain uncertain, Canada is using targeted investment to build resilience rather than simply respond to disruption. For Northern B.C., the strategy could strengthen economic stability, encourage diversification and create a stronger platform for long-term business, community and tourism growth.