Northern B.C. businesses and First Nations development corporations will be able to access $2.7 million in grant funding to create jobs, strengthen local economies through diversification and seize new economic opportunities.

“Our government is acting with urgency and prioritizing support for people in sectors facing the greatest impacts of global tariffs, and this investment allows us to do exactly that,” said Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “In partnership with the Government of Canada, we’re funding $2.7 million to help build capacity, adapt to changing economic conditions and advance economic development projects.”

The project is supported by investments provided by the Government of Canada through the employment insurance-funded Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.

“When local businesses succeed, communities thrive,” said Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families. “As tariffs and global uncertainty test businesses across the country, too many workers and business owners in British Columbia are feeling the pressure. Through this investment, we are helping remote and rural businesses in northern British Columbia adapt, grow and create good jobs, so their communities can build a stronger more resilient economy.”  

Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, applications will open for two new initiatives delivered through Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) under Phase 2 of the Province’s Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund (RREIF) that was launched in 2025 through Canada-British Columbia labour market funding to support communities experiencing the effects of tariffs.