PacifiCan has now opened three new offices in Prince George, Prince Rupert, and Fort St. John.
Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for PacifiCan Harjit Sajjan made the announcement today at the University of Northern BC in Prince George.
Sajjan initially announced in June the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbia would be expanding to the North to better serve the area.
“The bricks and mortars are not the important piece, right now, they have a temporary one,” said Sajjan.
“They’re going to be looking at something more permanent, but it’s a place where somebody can actually go to get physical information. But for me, it’s the people.”
Local people were hired to staff all three of the northern offices.
Sajjan added that every situation in different communities is unique.
“I want communities, I want businesses to feel they have an office here for them to come up with an idea, and see how we can help,” Sajjan said.
“Sometimes a program may not work, but there might be a program in a different department. PacifiCan is also going to be a hub, so that you can get information on other government programs.”
“There’s so many opportunities here, and if we don’t invest in those opportunities, we are losing out as a nation.”
A round of funding also was announced for several projects across the North and in the Cariboo.
In the Northwest, Arctic Divide Lodge Ltd. will be receiving $98,500 to expanding existing accommodations in Dease Lake.