May 13, 2026 – Vancouver, British Columbia
In a rapidly changing global environment, Canada is focused on what we can control – strengthening our economy at home and making it easier for Canadian businesses to trade with each other. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in practical, action-oriented support to help B.C. businesses seize opportunities across the country.
Today, the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Delta, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $3.2 million in the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) and its subsidiary World Trade Centre-Vancouver to deliver Canada Connect, an initiative to drive domestic trade growth for B.C. and Canadian companies.
The Canada Connect program will help businesses find new opportunities, connect with buyers, and grow their sales and supply chains within Canada by providing clear market insights, targeted training, domestic trade missions, and hands-on advice. Companies who participate will grow revenues, reach new Canadian customers, and create good jobs in B.C. and across the country.
Today’s investment builds on Canada’s broader strategy to build one strong Canadian economy. In April 2026, the Government of Canada launched the Domestic Trade Commissioners Network, bringing together representatives from each province, territory, and federal Regional Development Agencies, including PacifiCan, to help businesses across the country expand their business activity to more parts of Canada. Canada Connect, and partnerships with organizations such as GVBOT, is one way the Government of Canada is turning this national approach into action.
PacifiCan’s investment in GVBOT will be highlighted this afternoon at the Canada Connect: Domestic Trade Reception during Web Summit Vancouver, the world’s leading technology conference. Through PacifiCan, the Government of Canada is also investing $6.6 million in Web Summit Vancouver to connect Canada’s tech sector to opportunities both at home and around the world.
