The Minister for Economic Development Announces $2,950,000 in Federal Support to Assist British Columbia’s Technology Sector

Small and medium-sized businesses in British Columbia’s technology sector have never experienced an economic crisis like the one brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Canadian economy re-opens, the Government of Canada is making important investments to support BC’s technology sector. On 28 July 2020, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced $2,950,000 in federal support to help businesses in BC’s technology sector to address the impact of COVID-19. This funding will benefit up to 2,500 innovative companies and support as many as 1,000 jobs.

Mélanie Joly recognised the importance of innovation stating that, “Innovative companies are the engines of our future growth, and this investment is a vote of confidence in the future of BC’s technology sector. Our message is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures, we’re here for you now as our economy reopens and we’ll get through this, together. We’re working with you to support good, local jobs and help BC’s tech sector come back strong.”