This past Tuesday, the BC Government officially launched the Emerging Economy Task Force. The BC Greens proposed the establishment of the Emerging Economy Task Force as a means of addressing how technology, innovation and global trends are changing business and society. This task force brings together key people who can identify the challenges we will face in the years ahead, and help us capitalize on the opportunities that arise.

The launch occurred at the offices of Minesense, a BC-based company that exemplifies innovation in the resource sector.

Below I provide the video and text of my remarks at the launch. I also attach the accompanying BC Green Caucus press release.

Video of Speech

Text of Speech

I’m delighted to join Minister Ralston and BCIT President Kathy Kinloch in announcing the launch of the Emerging Economy Task Force.

I can think of no better location that the offices of Minesense Technologies here in Vancouver for such an announcement.

Minesense’s real-time, sensor-based ore sorting technologies embody BC innovation at its finest and provide a perfect example of what’s needed for BC to emerge as a global leader in the 21st century economy.

The future of economic prosperity in BC lies in harnessing our innate potential for innovation and bringing new, more efficient technologies to bear in the resource sector.

BC will never compete in digging dirt out of the ground with jurisdictions that don’t internalize the same social and environmental externalities that we value.

We will excel through being smarter, more efficient, & cleaner.

This means that we not only export the dirt, but we also export the knowledge, technology and value-added products associated with resource extraction.

And that’s where companies like Minesense come in.

The BC Green Party originally proposed the establishment of an Emerging Economy Task Force as a key aspect of our 2017 election platform. It subsequently became an integral component of our confidence and supply agreement with the BC NDP.

We know that technology, innovation, and global trends are set to have significant impacts on our economy. While they present profound challenges they also provide incredible opportunities.

Take, for example, the increasing worldwide use of automated technology.

Automation could transform our workplaces and change the very nature of employment.

Studies estimate that half of Canadian jobs could be impacted by automation in the next decade alone.

In response to such changes, government needs to have a plan.

Many of the jobs that the next generation will be preparing for don’t even exist today.

And we are still on the cusp of witnessing the impacts that breakthrough technologies like 3d printing will have on our supply chains.

As the global economy changes, new opportunities are also created. But the advantages of these opportunities will flow to those who lead – not to those who follow.

The task force announced today will strategically help British Columbia as we embrace the new and emerging economy.

I’m delighted that the BC NDP Government recognized the importance of this initiative.

And I’m grateful to the remarkably talented individuals who’ve agreed to serve on the Emerging Economy Task Force. They bring a range of expertise and experience, from industry, business, and academia to the team.

They’ll play a critical role in helping us identify the challenges ahead, and advise on how to respond, and on how to capitalize on the opportunities that arise.

It’s truly an exciting time for innovation in British Columbia.

Thank you.

Media Release

Weaver welcomes launch of emerging economy task force
For immediate release
July 10, 2018

VICTORIA, B.C. – Today Andrew Weaver welcomed the launch of the Emerging Economy Task Force (EETF). The EETF was a key B.C. Green platform commitment and part of the confidence and supply agreement between the B.C. Green caucus and government.

“I am thrilled to join Minister Ralston to launch the Emerging Economy Task Force today,” said Andrew Weaver, Leader of the B.C. Green Party.

“We know that technology, innovation and global trends are having significant impacts on our economy. These changes present both huge challenges and enormous opportunities for B.C.”

The EETF will analyse trends occurring in the economy, including technological change and global trends, and propose policy options for government to ensure B.C.’s continued economic success amidst these changes.

“The members of the EETF bring a range of expertise and experience, from industry, business and academia. Their analysis and advice will help us build a competitive advantage as we navigate this new type of economy.

“This task force is an opportunity to challenge how government typically thinks. Too often, governments don’t plan much into the future beyond the next election cycle. The Emerging Economy Task Force well help ensure government has the information they need to make informed decisions so that B.C. can succeed in the years ahead.”

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Media contact
Jillian Oliver, Press Secretary
+1 778-650-0597 | jillian.oliver@leg.bc.ca