Key Takeaways
- The Government of Canada announced a $3.2 million investment in the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) and its World Trade Centre‑Vancouver subsidiary to launch the Canada Connect domestic‑trade initiative.
- Canada Connect will provide market insights, targeted training, domestic trade missions, and hands‑on advisory services to help B.C. businesses find new Canadian customers, grow sales, and strengthen supply chains.
- The funding aligns with the broader Domestic Trade Commissioners Network, a national framework launched in April 2026 that coordinates provincial, territorial, and federal agencies to reduce internal trade barriers.
- An additional $6.6 million is being invested by PacifiCan in Web Summit Vancouver to link Canada’s technology sector with domestic and global opportunities.
- Officials emphasize that strengthening intra‑Canadian trade is essential for long‑term economic sovereignty, job creation, and a more resilient, prosperous economy.
Investment Announcement and Program Overview
On May 13, 2026, the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, appeared on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), to unveil a $3.2 million funding package for the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) and its subsidiary World Trade Centre‑Vancouver. The investment will drive the Canada Connect initiative, a program designed to stimulate domestic trade growth for businesses in British Columbia and across Canada. By leveraging GVBOT’s extensive network and expertise, Canada Connect aims to translate national policy into concrete support for firms seeking new intra‑provincial markets.
Objectives of Canada Connect
Canada Connect has a clear, action‑oriented mandate: to help participating businesses identify fresh opportunities, connect with domestic buyers, and expand their sales and supply chains within Canada. The program delivers four core services: (1) clear market insights that highlight demand trends and growth sectors across provinces and territories; (2) targeted training workshops that equip entrepreneurs with the skills needed to navigate inter‑provincial trade regulations and logistics; (3) domestic trade missions that facilitate face‑to‑face meetings with potential partners, distributors, and government representatives; and (4) hands‑on advisory support from trade specialists who assist firms in tailoring their market‑entry strategies. Collectively, these services are intended to boost revenues, create new Canadian customer bases, and spur job creation in B.C. and elsewhere.
Link to the Domestic Trade Commissioners Network
The announcement situates Canada Connect within a larger federal strategy. In April 2026, the Government of Canada launched the Domestic Trade Commissioners Network, a coalition that brings together representatives from each province, territory, and federal Regional Development Agencies—including PacifiCan—to coordinate efforts aimed at reducing internal trade barriers. By aligning Canada Connect with this network, the government ensures that the initiative benefits from shared intelligence, best‑practice exchanges, and a unified voice advocating for smoother inter‑provincial commerce. The network’s work complements Canada Connect’s on‑the‑ground support, turning policy aspirations into tangible outcomes for businesses.
Additional Investment in Web Summit Vancouver
Alongside the GVBOT funding, PacifiCan disclosed an extra $6.6 million investment in Web Summit Vancouver, the world’s leading technology conference. This allocation seeks to connect Canada’s tech sector with both domestic and international opportunities, fostering innovation, attracting foreign direct investment, and showcasing Canadian technological prowess on a global stage. By pairing the domestic‑trade focus of Canada Connect with the international outreach of Web Summit, the government aims to create a synergistic ecosystem where local firms can scale nationally while also accessing global markets.
Statements from Government Officials
Minister Gregor Robertson highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of British Columbia, stating that the PacifiCan investment will give B.C. businesses “a real pathway to new customers, new partners, and new revenue in markets across the country.” He framed the initiative as a concrete manifestation of building “one strong Canadian economy.”
Minister Jill McKnight emphasized the readiness of Delta‑area businesses to expand, noting that the funding provides “tools and supports they need to unlock new opportunities across Canada.” She underscored the broader societal benefits: stable, long‑term careers, stronger communities, and an economy that works for all Canadians.
Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, pointed to the organization’s proven track record—supporting over 600 companies and generating hundreds of millions in new revenue—and expressed confidence that Canada Connect will help businesses “build their networks and reach new customers” throughout the nation.
Economic Rationale and Quick Facts
The release included several salient statistics that underline the importance of enhancing intra‑Canadian trade:
- Approximately $530 billion of goods and services move across provincial and territorial borders each year, representing nearly 20 % of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP).
- Eliminating all federal, provincial, and territorial internal trade barriers could potentially boost GDP by as much as $200 billion over time—equivalent to roughly $5,100 per person.
- The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, founded in 1887, is a leading business association with a membership that comprises about one‑third of B.C.’s workforce and a reach extending across the province. These figures illustrate the substantial economic upside that initiatives like Canada Connect aim to capture.
Associated Links and Contact Information
The announcement concluded with directions for staying informed: followers can track PacifiCan’s activities on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, and a toll‑free number (1‑888‑338‑9378) and TTY line (1‑877‑303‑3388) are available for inquiries. Media contacts include Mohammad Hussain, Director of Communications for the Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Lynsey Brothers, Communications Manager at PacifiCan, both reachable via the provided email addresses.
Conclusion
The $3.2 million investment in the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade to launch Canada Connect, coupled with the $6.6 million commitment to Web Summit Vancouver, reflects a coordinated federal effort to strengthen Canada’s internal market while simultaneously positioning its technology sector for global success. By delivering targeted market intelligence, training, trade missions, and advisory services, Canada Connect seeks to unlock latent domestic demand, stimulate job creation, and fortify supply chains across the nation. When viewed alongside the Domestic Trade Commissioners Network, the initiative exemplifies how strategic federal funding can translate policy goals into measurable economic benefits for businesses, workers, and communities throughout Canada.