File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission and Minister of Agriculture

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AS WE LOOK TOWARD THE FUTURE, it’s crucial that we grow our economy and create stable jobs for people while also reducing the impacts of climate change.

Our new blueprint for BC’s industrial future is called Clean and Competitive. It outlines a pathway to drive investment, create job opportunities, and embrace clean energy and sustainable industries across the province.

This plan will invest in our strengths in seven key sectors: advanced manufacturing, agritech, critical minerals, life sciences, biofuels, hydrogen, and the digital economy.

As Minister of Agriculture and MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, it was amazing to be able to announce the first partnership under this blueprint last week in the Fraser Valley.

We are investing $25 million to help a local dairy processing company, Vitalus Nutrition, expand their operations. This will not only strengthen our local food security, but also help advance clean growth while nurturing talent in our food industry.

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Currently, milk processing plants across Western Canada are operating at capacity. With this funding, Vitalus will create about 100 new jobs and quadruple its milk processing capacity to a new total of 1.4 billion litres each year. This expansion to a new 143,500 square foot facility will allow local dairy producers to meet domestic demand for dairy products as well as increase exports of specialty dairy ingredients.

Producing more food here in B.C. also helps us prepare for future climate-related emergencies. The storms and flooding that hit our province in November 2021 temporarily closed many of our highways, threatening the delivery of food and other goods from outside the province. Investing in our local food industry helps make sure we have stable access to food staples.

When it comes to the economy, we’re making sure to look forward. By enhancing infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and high-speed internet connectivity, focusing on climate solutions and clean technology, and expanding training opportunities, we’re helping to set British Columbia up for success.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.