The Chamber applauds launch of PacifiCan

VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce applauds today’s announcement of a new economic development agency for British Columba, which will include offices in Victoria and Campbell River. Federal Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages Mélanie Joly says the Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) will provide a tailored approach for British Columbia’s economy.

“Minster Joly’s announcement has the potential to have a significant impact on the economic recovery and resilience needed in the Capital Region to move along a path of a sustainable and diverse post-pandemic economy,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says, noting that as B.C.’s population has grown rapidly over the past 20 years, the province’s economy is becoming more advanced. “By creating two offices on Vancouver Island, one in Victoria and the other in Campbell River, the federal government shows it recognizes the unique opportunities and challenges of our Island economy. The Capital Region has distinct priorities as do the central, northern and western regions of the Island.”

PacifiCan builds on work done by Western Economic Diversification Canada over the last 34 years. Another new agency, Prairie Economic Development Canada (PrairieCan), will now serve Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Kinetic Construction, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, RBC, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at VictoriaChamber.ca.
 
Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben                                                                  
Communications and Project Manager
250 360-3471
communications@victoriachamber.ca