British Columbia (B.C.) is helping build the low-carbon economy of the future.
B.C. is where your business can thrive, reduce costs, and still meet its ESG goals. As a leading jurisdiction for climate leadership and clean energy incentives, B.C. is an innovation hub with a highly skilled, established talent pool. Economically, the region is rich in natural resources and hydroelectric power. It also offers one of North America's most flexible and supportive business climates, attracting investment from around the world.
Diana Stephenson, BC Hydro's Senior Vice-President, Customer and Corporate Affairs, outlines factors that make B.C. an appealing prospect to innovative businesses.
B.C. is the cleanest jurisdiction in western North America, offering a stable environment for your business to establish or expand its operations.
Strong fiscal management, a triple-A credit rating, and a diversified economy make B.C. an economic leader in Canada. The province is a vibrant hub with a well-regulated financial system, streamlined regulations, an inclusive economy, and favorable climate policies to support business growth.
B.C.'s competitive corporate tax rates are amongst the lowest in North America, so your business can benefit from various programs and incentives.
The combined 27% provincial and federal tax rate is below the average across all U.S. states and Canadian provinces. A foreign tax credit is also available for eligible businesses to reduce provincial rates.
B.C. welcomes industry and innovation. Streamlined regulations simplify registering your business and applying for permits and licenses. Simplified applications make it easier to apply for large commercial and industrial incentives.
We collaborate closely with municipalities to support customers by matching industrial sites with new businesses and providing funding to reduce barriers towards electrification.
Connect your business to a globally recognized, highly skilled talent pool. There are 2.9 million people in B.C.'s well-educated, multilingual workforce.
The province has 25 colleges and universities, including the University of British Columbia, ranked among the top 40 globally. The region attracts top students from around the world, resulting in Canada’s second-largest concentration of international students.
B.C. is home to successful industries in a range of sectors, including:
- Commercial buildings and industrial facilities
- Transportation
- Clean fuel production
- District energy
- Oil and gas
- Mining
- Pulp and paper/wood products
- Carbon capture
- And more
Be part of a region focused on clean energy and supportive of technology and innovation:
- Leading green and climate policies and incentives to improve project economics
- Providing the infrastructure that businesses need to thrive in the innovation economy
- Developing and attracting a world-leading talent pool
- Helping companies get established and grow
B.C. is Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway. Efficient airports, highways, natural deepwater ports, Class I rail systems, and power and data network infrastructure provide fast, reliable cargo transportation across the province and easy access to major hubs across North America and Asia.
Stay connected to the rest of the world. Located on the west coast of Canada, B.C.'s Pacific time zone overlaps with major commercial time zones making it easy to schedule communications with partners across the globe.