OPINION: BC NDP supports innovative manufacturing in Surrey

BY GARRY BEGG

NDP MLA for Surrey-Guildford

 

THE pandemic and the recent extreme weather events have been very challenging for people and communities across the province. Not only have families lost homes and entire communities been impacted, our roads and highways have been washed out, causing significant damage to our supply chain systems. That is why it is important, now more than ever, to invest in manufacturing right here in B.C. to ensure our province is prepared for future events.

Your BC New Democrat government has created the StrongerBC Accelerating Manufacturing Grants program to help small and medium-sized manufacturers expand, adapt, and enhance their operations in our province. We have also been prioritizing the people of Surrey with diverse investments in initiatives from education to the new Surrey hospital.

This grant program is allocating $10 million for 43 new projects across the province, all designed to increase economic diversification and create new jobs in our manufacturing sector as it recovers from the pandemic. Recipients represent a wide range of manufacturing sectors across the province, including technology, food processing, shipbuilding, aerospace, and forestry.

This is the work we are doing as your government to address supply chain disruptions in B.C., especially right here in Surrey.

I am proud to announce that over $1.5 million will be going to the six local grant recipients, including one based in my own constituency. I salute Vital Manufacturing Inc, the recipient located here in the riding of Surrey-Guildford. They are doing incredible work in custom machinery and machine design. Supporting such innovative companies who are from our home is crucial to the development we want to see driving our future.

Throughout the pandemic and following the extreme weather events, our communities have been pushed to the brink but have responded with the resiliency and fortitude that we have come to expect from British Columbians.

BC New Democrats are here to support you, your family, and our city as we continue to earn recognition as the “City of the Future”. By supporting growth and innovation, we are bringing more jobs closer to home.