B.C. government ramps up economic push with $88 billion in major projects | Daily Hive

David Eby. (Government of B.C.)

The Government of British Columbia asserts tens of thousands of jobs could be created over the next three years as it accelerates a sweeping economic strategy aimed at boosting investment and expanding infrastructure.

Today, Premier David Eby announced that approximately $88 billion worth of major projects are now expected to move forward, nearly doubling its initial list of priority developments under the “Look West” strategy, which was first unveiled in November 2025. The plan, launched in late 2025, is designed to strengthen economic resilience while driving long-term growth across multiple sectors.

The premier said the province is well-positioned to take advantage of growing global demand for stable and “responsibly” sourced resources.

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“At a time when countries around the world are looking for responsibly developed resources and stable trading partners, this is British Columbia’s moment,” said Eby.

The provincial government notes the expanded list now includes 17 additional major projects, ranging from mining and natural gas developments to clean-energy infrastructure. Officials emphasize the combined investments will not only create jobs but also generate long-term revenue to support public services such as the costs of delivering and improving health care services, education, and transportation.

A significant portion of the strategy focuses on increasing electricity supply through renewable energy. At least 10 wind and solar projects — representing about $6 billion in private investment — are expected to produce enough power for roughly 500,000 homes annually.

Among them is a wind project between Merritt and Kelowna, developed in partnership with the Upper Nicola Band, highlighting the provincial government’s push for Indigenous participation in major developments.

The provincial government is also moving forward with BC Hydro’s North Coast Transmission Line, a major power infrastructure project aimed at supporting industrial growth in northern B.C. Construction on this $6-billion electrical line is expected to begin soon.

Natural gas and mining projects also play a central role. Developments such as Cedar LNG and a major pipeline expansion are expected to create thousands of construction jobs and open new export opportunities.

Officials shared up to $50 billion in additional investment decisions could be finalized within the next year, including potential expansions to existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations.

Ravi Kahlon, the B.C. Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, pointed to global instability as a reason to move quickly.

“The global uncertainty from U.S. tariffs and the war in Iran are having real impacts on people and businesses, but we’re not backing down or waiting,” said Kahlon.

The provincial government highlighted it is speeding up permitting processes while maintaining environmental oversight and Indigenous consultation. Several mining projects have already received approvals under faster timelines, and new measures are being developed to further streamline environmental assessments.

At the same time, the provincial government is investing heavily in trades workforce development over the next three years, with thousands of new training seats expected to open.

The Look West strategy sets a broader goal of securing $200 billion in private-sector investment by 2035. Today, officials assert B.C. is currently on track to meet that target.

But the ambitious plan and its targets come amid growing concerns that the BC NDP-led government’s leadership has weakened economic and investment confidence, particularly in its approach to upholding Indigenous rights — including the premier’s recent reversal on amending or suspending the province’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), given the lingering uncertainty it creates, as well as questions around land ownership clarity stemming from court decisions recognizing Aboriginal title.

B.C.’s structural economic challenges are also reflected in the provincial treasury, with record-high annual deficits and rising debt contributing to repeated credit rating downgrades.

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