The Province of British Columbia has signed an “historic” agreement with the federal government as the two bodies envision collaboration across clean technology innovation and other key areas.
Premier David Eby, who secured the “landmark” multi-billion-dollar agreement with Prime Minister Mark Carney, says it’s “about building B.C.’s future, not just for this year, but for generations to come.”
“It means more good jobs for workers and more opportunities to train for better pay, all while protecting the beautiful places that make our province so remarkable,” Eby stated.
He says the “deal will deliver faster commutes as we build critical infrastructure, less pollution as we power growth with clean electricity, and the kind of shared prosperity that funds strong public services.”
The Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement aims to establish a long-term partnership based around the region’s clean energy, natural resources, critical minerals, and economic infrastructure.
“British Columbians have always known how to build big and how to build well,” commented Carney, who says they are “building on that legacy by further accelerating major energy projects and trade corridors, protecting our land and waters, and giving workers the support they need to help build Canada strong.”
Carney points to valuable ports, established trade corridors, an educated and skilled workforce, and one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world, as reasons why Canada is motivated to directly assist BC.
Both governments will continue “take concrete steps to accelerate review, permitting, and delivery of critical infrastructure in clean electricity and energy, critical mineral development, and secure supply chains,” according to an official statement.
Through the Prosperity Agreement, Canada and BC commit to developing new clean power projects to enhance grid capacity and support the region’s emerging wind turbine sector.
They will also explore the possibility of a National Carbon Credit Framework, including the use of credits generated through Canadians consuming government-approved “nature-based solutions,” retrofitting their homes to be greener, and driving electric vehicles.
In addition, Canada and BC intend to take “coordinated federal and provincial action on training, childcare, and labour standards” in order to sufficiently prepare and upskill tomorrow’s workforce for the new economy.