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NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA EXPORT STRATEGY (2023)

2023
Transportation & Infrastructure
Natural Resources
Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation
Innovation, Technology and Productivity
International Relations and Trade

Issue

The Northern British Columbia (B.C.) economy heavily relies on the natural resources sector to produce and export goods to domestic and international markets. However, the ongoing supply chain disruptions due to climate events, the COVID-19 pandemic and labour shortages have highlighted the negative impact on communities when production and exporting are inconsistent and unreliable. This creates a concern about the sustainability of the Northern B.C. economy for future generations.

 

Background

The Northern B.C. region houses most of the province's forestry product processing facilities, all of the province's petrochemical reserves, significant deposits of coal, precious metals, and base metals, and is also an important source of agricultural and seafood products. In 2019, the production of values for forestry, petrochemicals, mining and agricultural sectors was approximately $17.0 billion. The  BC Business Council noted that these sectors play a vital role as the backbone of the provincial economy.[1] However, to ensure the future of Northern B.C.'s economy, collaborative economic development initiatives are necessary to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable natural resources and gateway industries.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority and Northern BC Development Trust have taken the first step in providing general awareness and education about the Northern B.C. economy through the creation of the Northern BC Export Profile. However, the development of a Northern BC Export Strategy is essential to identify gaps and initiatives that foster export growth from the region and help build resilient and sustainable industries that benefit all Northern B.C. communities.

 

THE CHAMBER RECOMMENDS

That the Provincial Government:

  1. Invests alongside not-for-profits, local governments, Indigenous and industry partners to develop a Northern British Columbia Export Strategy.
  2. Direct resources to support the inclusion of Indigenous Communities in development of the strategy.
  3. Ensures the strategy provides the ability to continue to grow exports, expand infrastructure, ensure supply-chain resiliency, and incentivize supply chain partners.
  4. Works collaboratively with Northern B.C. communities to maintain and create job opportunities that lead to longevity for the region.