Friday, March 22, 2024
The British Columbia government and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have established a partnership dedicated to combating pollution in the aviation industry, encouraging investments, and fostering the creation of clean, sustainable employment and business ventures within British Columbia. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), will see YVR and the B.C. government working in concert with Indigenous groups, local communities, and stakeholders in aviation and aerospace.
“Vancouver’s airport is one of our province’s biggest employers and economic drivers of growth and revenue. They’re also leaders in sustainability and innovation,” said Premier David Eby. “By working together on shared priorities, like promoting made-in-B.C. clean tech and expanding trade diversification while reducing pollution, we can maximize benefits for all British Columbians, while strengthening our province’s economic future.”
Over the next three years, they aim to launch innovative products, projects, and initiatives that align with their mutual goals, including:
“YVR has long been an economic engine and jobs creator for British Columbia. This partnership recognizes the importance of aviation to the diversification of the provincial economy including zero-carbon innovation, technology, international trade and investment, and skills training,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO, Vancouver International Airport. “Together with the Government of British Columbia, we are advancing important work and creating value for all British Columbians by strengthening connections between businesses, communities and sustainable economic opportunities.”
Both the Province and YVR acknowledge the advantages of their joint efforts in attracting clean investments and human capital to drive continuous economic growth. This partnership leverages the strengths of British Columbia’s StrongerBC economic strategy, the CleanBC climate plan, and YVR’s critical role in the province’s economy. As Canada’s second-largest airport, YVR serves as a vital link for people, communities, cargo, and markets worldwide, facilitating essential services and economic development throughout British Columbia.
“Creating a dynamic marketplace for sustainable made-in-B.C. technologies aligns with work already being done through the Integrated Marketplace program with YVR,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “I look forward to building on the work already underway and furthering our efforts toward realizing a clean economy.”
To inaugurate this partnership with YVR, the Provincial government is funding three major initiatives aimed at supporting the wider aviation industry:
“The B.C. Aviation Council applauds Premier Eby and the Government of British Columbia for this strategic initiative in partnership with YVR and B.C.’s aviation and aerospace industry,” said Heather J. McCarley, board chair, British Columbia Aviation Council. “Aviation is a powerful economic generator connecting communities, people and businesses across our province, and facilitates response for medevacs, wildfires, and other emergencies. The long-term sustainability of our industry, both environmental and financial, is vital for the well-being of our province.”
This MOU also aims to improve access to dependable, sustainable air services, which is crucial for Indigenous communities to ensure access to vital health and emergency services, support job creation, and maintain their connectivity within the province. Positioning British Columbia as a leader in sustainable aviation, investment in clean technology, and community resilience aligns with the objectives of the StrongerBC Economic Plan.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
