B.C. government unveils a 10-year ‘Look West’ strategy to boost the economy

November 17,2025

RED FM News Desk

The B.C. government has introduced a new 10-year “Look West” plan aimed at securing major projects and expanding the province’s skilled workforce. The strategy seeks to attract $200 billion in private investment, speed up approval processes for large national projects, and double funding for trades training. Premier David Eby and Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon announced the plan on Monday.

Eby says the federal budget encourages provinces to step up and deliver projects that strengthen Canada, and he supports that direction. He adds that the strategy will help B.C. prepare for economic uncertainty tied to the U.S. trade war and what he described as “attacks” from U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to the province, the plan’s main priorities are developing a skilled labour force, streamlining permitting for major projects, and creating sector-specific action plans. Kahlon says the 10-year framework covers key industries including life sciences, aerospace, marine and national defence, construction technology, agriculture and food processing, AI, quantum computing, trade, logistics, infrastructure, and critical minerals and energy.

Initial steps include a $10-million boost to the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund, $33 million for UBC’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub, exploring AI integration in the school system, and expanding collaboration with SFU’s quantum computing institute.