Raison d'être, mandate and role: Who we are and what we do

Raison d’être

Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) was established on August 6th, 2021 by Orders in Council for the purpose of promoting the development of the economy of British Columbia and to advance the interests of British Columbians in national economic policy, program and project decision-making.  

The Minister of International Development is responsible for this organization.

Mandate and role

PacifiCan is the federal agency that supports economic growth in British Columbia. Its programs and services help businesses, not-for-profits and communities grow stronger, overcome challenges and seize opportunities. The agency’s vision is to partner with businesses and organizations to create a more diversified economy driven by strong, competitive and innovative local businesses and thriving communities.

PacifiCan administers a number of grants and contributions programs to provide direct support to businesses and not‑for‑profit organizations to foster innovation, create jobs, expand export markets and accelerate growth. PacifiCan invests directly in communities and works with its network partners (i.e., the Western Canada Business Service Network), to foster local business growth and community economic growth. PacifiCan also serves British Columbians by delivering targeted and time‑limited national initiatives on behalf of the federal government.  

To understand British Columbians’ needs and perspectives, PacifiCan will build and strengthen relationships with provincial, municipal and Indigenous governments, post‑secondary institutions, business and industry associations, and other stakeholders from across the province.

PacifiCan will establish its new headquarters in Surrey, British Columbia and will expand its reach beyond the existing Vancouver office with additional service locations in Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George, Cranbrook, Fort St. John, Prince Rupert and Campbell River. The agency will also have a liaison office in Ottawa to advocate for British Columbians within the federal government.

For more general information about the agency, see the “Supplementary information” section of this report.

For more information on the Minister’s mandate letter commitments that guide the agency, see the Minister’s mandate letter.