Urgent Action Needed to Realize B.C.’s $230B Opportunity
For Immediate Release
VANCOUVER, B.C. — British Columbia has a generational opportunity to capture $230 billion in investment for major projects, according to a new report by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT). Building for Growth: Driving Investment in B.C.’s Future highlights a significant number of high impact projects, that if realized, will build a more diverse and thriving economy and position B.C. to chart its own path for the future.
“To secure our economy and build a more affordable British Columbia, we need a comprehensive agenda for economic growth that champions private sector capital investment in our major industries.” said Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. “Capital will go where it is welcome and there are opportunities here in B.C. What we lack is the speed, certainty, and policy framework to get projects approved and shovels in the ground.”
Working with our members, the report identified a significant number of high-impact projects in five key sectors: LNG and energy infrastructure, upstream natural gas, clean energy, critical minerals, and trade-enabling infrastructure. These projects offer real, immediate pathways to economic resilience, reconciliation, and clean growth. Together, they account for over $230 billion in direct investment.
The B.C. Infrastructure Projects Act and the Building Canada Act signal readiness to move from planning to building. But if we are to seize this critical moment — across sectors, not just in government-prioritized infrastructure — we need deeper, systemic reform.
In this report, we review these investments with the imperative that the provincial and federal governments take the following three immediate and urgent actions:
- Create a Fast and Competitive Permitting Process
Implement “one-window, one-timeline” approvals with clear, legislated timelines across jurisdictions to reduce risk and restore investor confidence. - Accelerate Indigenous Participation, in Collaboration with Business Community
Fully operationalize Indigenous loan guarantee programs and partner with Indigenous Nations to ensure meaningful participation in major projects. - Develop Industrial Policy that Attracts Investment
Establish a competitive tax and regulatory environment that drives private sector investment in sectors critical to trade diversification and economic security.
With rising U.S. protectionism, mounting fiscal pressures, and a growing affordability crisis, bold action is needed to secure our economic future.
“To lead in these increasingly unpredictable times we must focus on Canada's strengths and what the world needs most: energy, food, and minerals. British Columbia can and should be the launchpad for that leadership.” said Anderson. “Let’s move beyond announcements. Let’s build for growth. Let’s build B.C.”
This is the fifth solutions-focused report under GVBOT’s Agenda for Economic Growth – The 3% Challenge campaign, which calls on governments to pursue policies that drive sustainable growth, boost productivity, and make life more affordable for all British Columbians.
We invite you to read the full report here: 
-30-
About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:
Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Pacific Canada’s leading business association, engaging members to positively impact public policy at all levels of government and to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one third of B.C.’s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through unique programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events businesses in the country, providing a platform for national and international business and thought leaders to further enlighten B.C.’s business leaders.
Media contact:
Federico Cerani
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com