Slide1: Presentation to: Pan Western Regional Economic Development Conference October 26th, 2006 Jim Cameron, Director, Regional Economic Development Branch Ministry of Economic Development


Slide2: Provincial Overview Economic growth is robust 2nd highest GDP growth at 3.5% In-migration of population Unemployment rates at historic low levels 2010 Winter Olympic Games


Slide3: Looking Forward – Goals BC is Canada’s Pacific Gateway Building a skilled workforce Investing in infrastructure Leading in research, innovation & commercialization Competitive investment climate Securing international investment


Slide4: Challenges to Prosperity High dependency on resource commodities – 20% of exports are value-added products versus 45% for Canadian economy Mountain Pine Beetle Relatively low productivity and innovation in key industries Low capital investment in Pulp and Paper sector – and coastal sawmilling industry Small business economy – particularly vulnerable to labour shortage and succession issues


Slide5: Challenges to Prosperity, cont. Shortage of skilled workers - 350,000 workers short First Nations land claims + low participation in economy Recreational real estate boom – impacting labour supply & housing affordability for resorts and communities in East Kootenays, Okanagan and Vancouver Island Expensive infrastructure due to extreme geography


Slide6: Regional Economic Development Branch Supports the Ministry purpose: “Build a strong provincial economy that supports job creation and maximizes economic opportunities for citizens throughout the province.” Regional Project Managers are located in six development regions of the province – their key role is to facilitate economic growth, competitiveness, and business development in the regions.


Slide7: British Columbia Development Regions


Slide8: Core Business Facilitate regional investment and participate in complex, multi-agency projects Promote and support business retention and expansion Support Community and First Nations economic development initiatives through partnerships Regional delivery and support of Ministry programs such as the 2010 Commerce Center, WEPA, MRIF, Asia Pacific Trade Council Provide strategic analysis and advice to Minister and Executive


Slide9: What we do… Assist investors and existing business to find creative solutions to provincial policy or regulatory issues Support investor consultation with First Nations Host in-bound investor tours and provide links to local business opportunities, community and business networks Establish and maintain extensive networks and working relationships with ec dev professionals, community and business leaders, and all orders of government


Slide10: Good News….


Slide11: Regional Development - Evolution Eliminated in 1996 – reborn under Forest Renewal BC – died in 2001 Revived in 2003 – On the ground initiative Regional Trust funds Explore regional development models in other jurisdictions Develop pilot Regional Alliance pilots Implement a program 07-08(?)


Slide12: Regional Alliance Pilots Voluntary not-for-profit organizations for a specifically defined economic region Communities, First Nations, local institutions, and businesses that self-identify and decide to participate in the alliances Four regions – Vancouver Island, East Kootenay, South Peace, 16-97 North Central Members contribute funding and act collaboratively to develop, implement and manage an integrated strategy Two year pilot – implementation June 2005


Slide13: Regional Alliance Pilots Regional Alliances develop a business plan, which may include: Marketing and branding Business retention Investment attraction Export development Economic data development and information management Infrastructure assessment and prioritization Regional skills and labour strategy


Slide14: Regional Alliance Pilots - Outcomes Enhanced regional economic performance – increased investment and new jobs Rationalization of regional resources to create effective and efficient economies Reduced competition for scarce resources Improved communication Labour and skills issues addressed Increased First Nations participation in the regional economy Regional benchmark indicators established


Slide15: Lessons Learned Long-term commitment by province an issue – (mistrust in many areas) On-going support in development stage is critical Private sector needs to see their interests reflected in priorities Don’t rush the process Province (and Feds) must accept that region’s priorities may not match theirs.


Slide16: Next Steps… Approval by Cabinet of on-going funding for a program Ensure linkages established and maintained with Provincial strategic priorities – Asia Pacific, Innovation, Skills, 2010 Winter Olympic Games, etc Regional staff supportive – but not employed by Alliances – they provide the link to higher level strategies Happily ever after!


Slide17: Staff Contacts Thompson-Okanagan Myles Bruns, Kamloops (250) 377-2171 Randy Sunderman, Kamloops (250) 314-1842 Vancouver Island/Coast Arnold Harasymchuk, Nanaimo (250) 751-3217 Pat English, Sidney (250) 655-3736 Nechako/North Coast Rick Braam, Smithers (250) 847-7797 Greg Meredith, Telkwa (250) 877-1312 Kootenay Kevin Weaver, Cranbrook (250) 426-1708 Diana Brooks, Radium (250) 347-9901 Cariboo Tim Barry, Prince George, (250) 562-9323 Leslie Lax, Prince George (250) 613-6018 Northeast Bill Oppen, Dawson Creek (250) 784-0173 Ryan Murray, Tumbler Ridge (250) 242-1718


Slide18: Industries co-existing