Minister Brenda Bailey’s Trip to the U.S. to promote, grow B.C.’s tech sector

March 21, 2023

minister Brenda Bailey heads to us to promote BC Tech Sector

To help B.C.’s technology and innovation sector attract world-class talent and to ensure B.C. continues to be a global innovation powerhouse, Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, will lead a five-day trade mission to the United States.

minister brenda bailey
The Hon. Brenda Bailey

“We know B.C. tech companies are looking for skilled talent,” said Bailey. “That’s why I’m taking our StrongerBC Economic Plan on the road to show the world B.C.’s competitive advantage as a diversified economy where innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship can flourish.”

Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

Minister Bailey’s Itinerary

Starting Friday, March 10, 2023, Bailey’s trade mission travelled to Austin, Texas, and San Francisco, Calif. In Austin, Bailey led a delegation at South by Southwest, one of the world’s largest technology and innovation conferences, celebrating the convergence of tech, film, music, education and culture.

“As a province, we’re embracing innovation and frontier technology like we never have before, showing that we can be bold and proud to share our stories,” said Dan Burgar, co-founder and CEO, Frontier Collective. “Now it’s time that we embrace our regional and economic strengths like we never have before. We’re absolutely thrilled to have Minister Bailey join us as we put Vancouver and B.C. on the global stage and continue to push economic development, investment and attraction to our province.”

Dan Burgar, co-founder and CEO, Frontier Collective
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sims
Mayor Ken Sims

Along with Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver, and Gerri Sinclair, B.C.’s innovation commissioner, Bailey will participate in South by Southwest’s Vancouver Activation Day and deliver remarks at Canada House to showcase B.C. as a destination for investment and an attractive market for tech talent.

“Vancouver is emerging as a global hub for technology, innovation and creativity,” said Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver. “We’re excited to be showcasing the opportunities that our city and province have to offer the world.”

Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver

The U.S. trade mission included meetings with leading private enterprises, venture capital firms and government officials, as well as organizations of technology professionals, including the Digital Moose Lounge, a community of Canadians in the Bay Area.

Bailey also participated at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco to showcase B.C.’s advances in agricultural technology, including a B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation that is helping to improve food security, while creating hundreds of good-paying jobs. Other trade mission highlights include meetings with the Canadian Texas Chamber of Commerce, the Silicon Valley Bank and the Canadian Consul Generals of Dallas and San Francisco.

Technology is one of B.C.’s fastest-growing sectors, with more than 11,000 companies employing more than 131,000 people. In 2020-21, Vancouver led North America for tech job growth.

The most-recent Labour Market Outlook forecasts as many as one million job openings in B.C. in the next decade, with slightly more than 11% of those jobs in science and tech.

As part of the StrongerBC Economic Plan and to further support businesses to access talented employees, the Province is going to continue to expand investments to support access to post-secondary education, skills training and career resources through the Future Ready action plan.  

Future Ready is making education and training more accessible, affordable and relevant to help businesses grow and prepare British Columbians for the jobs of tomorrow.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about the StrongerBC Economic Plan: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/plan/

Learn more about the Vancouver Activation Day at South by Southwest: https://www.vancouvertakeover.com/

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Siemens Launches New Microcredential to Empower the Workforce of the Future 

    July 3, 2025 By Krystie Johnston  Siemens recently launched ‘Expedite – Skills for Industry’ at Realize LIVE Americas in June. Delivering on their promise to help students prepare better for the future of work by connecting engineering theory with practical skills, their microcredential courses will begin accepting enrollment this month. Dora Smith, Senior Director, Future… Read More…

  • Spring Spotlight: Unlock Smart I/O & Filter Performance

    June 19, 2025 Introduction As digital transformation reshapes manufacturing and warehousing, gaining actionable insights from the field and protecting sensitive assets are top priorities. Smart I/O brings intelligence to every corner of your facility, while motor protection filters shield your drives and motors from harmful voltage transients. Together, they form a robust foundation for a… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • Download the Latest July 2025 MTE Pricelist

    July 3, 2025 Download the Latest July 2025 MTE Pricelist Vanco’s mission has always been to provide effective and professional solutions tailored to their clients’ needs. They specialize in control cabinets and the components necessary to build comprehensive control systems. Please see the updated MTE pricelist effective July 1st, 2025 now available to download for free…. Read More…

  • POSITAL Explosion-Proof Rotary Encoders with UL Certification

    July 3, 2025 POSITAL’s explosion-proof IXARC incremental and absolute rotary encoders have been certified as complying with UL requirements for operation in areas with hazardous levels of flammable gases, dust and fibers (Class I, Division 2, Group A, B, C and D; Class II, Division 2, Group F and G; and Class III) These devices… Read More…