Victoria – Amazing things are happening on Vancouver Island, a region known for both its stunning natural attractions and world-class innovations. From technology to tourism, local innovators and entrepreneurs across industries are coming together to build a strong regional economy. PacifiCan shares their ambition and is committed to partnering with community leaders in British Columbia to realize their vision.
Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $3.5 million in PacifiCan funding for eight Vancouver Island-based organizations to advance innovation, attract visitors, and boost the region’s leadership in areas such as ocean technology and Indigenous tourism.
Minister Sajjan made the announcement while visiting Open Ocean Robotics, a marine robotic vehicle company receiving $800,000 in PacifiCan funding. This investment will help the company scale-up production of its Uncrewed Surface Vehicles, which are solar-powered, autonomous boats that provide real-time ocean information.
Open Ocean’s technology helps researchers monitor ocean conditions and track marine life in challenging environments, making it safer, easier and more affordable to protect our oceans. PacifiCan funding will allow the company to expand operations and access new markets, create jobs and elevate Vancouver Island as a hub for marine solutions and environmental stewardship. This funding comes from PacifiCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program.
Other organizations receiving a total of $1.7 million in funding through PacifiCan’s BSP and Jobs and Growth Fund are Fluorescent Design, Industrial Plankton and Namgis Business Development Corporation.
Today’s announcement also includes almost $1 million in support for four local organizations through PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program. From new sports hubs to vibrant Indigenous arts and culture experiences, creating unforgettable tourism attractions is important to Vancouver Island’s economy and long-term prosperity. These investments will create enduring benefits across the province and grow Vancouver Island as a destination of choice.
More details about the projects and organizations receiving funding can be found in the backgrounder.
“Vancouver Island has an amazing combination of talent, resources and ambition. Local entrepreneurs and leaders are growing a diverse, inclusive and thriving economy in the region. By investing in some of the Island’s most innovative organizations and championing leaders in areas such as ocean technology and Indigenous tourism, PacifiCan is increasing B.C.’s competitiveness on the world stage, fostering unique cultural experiences, and creating enduring prosperity for British Columbians.” – Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
Also, with the longest coastline in the world, Canada’s coastal communities rely on the fish and seafood industry as an integral contributor to local and regional economies. This is why the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick are pleased to announce funding support to Atlantique Nord Innovation Inc. in Shippagan for a project benefiting seafood processing through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF).
The AFF funding represents a total contribution of $99,482 towards total project costs of $126,000, and has been used to fund activities aimed at finalizing the design of a marine collagen-based beverage. These activities included studies on beverage stabilization and shelf life, as well as testing of the product. Project activities helped the company conclude the commercialization of its beverage and positioned it for market entry.
The contribution is from the $400-million AFF, funded by the federal and provincial governments. The AFF focuses on increasing opportunities and market value for sustainably sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products from Atlantic Canada.
Introduced in 2017, the AFF will continue to invest in projects over its seven-year life. The commercial fisheries and aquaculture industry, Indigenous groups, universities and academia, and industry associations and organizations, including research institutions, may apply.