Purpose of the Ministry
The Ministry of Economic Development is dedicated to helping build a strong provincial economy that supports job creation and maximizes economic opportunities for citizens throughout the province. The Ministry facilitates economic growth and diversification of provincial and regional economies, wealth and job creation. The Ministry is committed to working with First Nation communities, Aboriginal people, local communities and regions as well as industry, education and non-governmental organizations.
The Ministry’s activities include marketing and promoting British Columbia to expand trade and investment opportunities, increase sales and exports of goods and encourage immigration to address labour supply issues that affect our competitiveness. The Ministry works in partnership with other ministries and the private sector to identify and address economic competitiveness issues. Removing barriers to trade, investment and labour mobility, increasing diversification of the provincial economy and regional economies, and providing infrastructure funding are key components to fuelling sustained economic growth throughout the province. The Ministry is also responsible for providing leadership and overseeing the Province’s financial commitments for hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and ensuring the economic and social benefits of the games are maximized.
The Ministry is directly responsible for the Asia Pacific Initiative, a government and province wide strategy released in April 2007. This initiative was developed to ensure that B.C.’s efforts are strategically oriented toward the economic, social and cultural opportunities represented by the Asia-Pacific region. The Ministry is taking both leadership and supporting roles in ensuring that this significant undertaking is successful in achieving the greatest possible growth.
“I believe that what governments can do is plan for prosperity and facilitate the process. We’ll pave the way for British Columbians who stoke the engines of economic growth.”
— Minister Hansen, speech to Vancouver Board of Trade, October 12, 2007
 |
 |
 |
