In British Columbia, we make just about everything. From forestry products, agrifoods, large industrial and high-tech components, manufacturing is driving our economy forward.
That is why I was proud to proclaim Oct. 12 to 18 as Manufacturing Week in B.C. recognizing the contributions and bright future of this sector in our province.
In my role as parliamentary secretary to the BC Jobs Plan, I have been travelling across B.C. conducting a manufacturing tour at businesses large and small, listening to them on how our government can help them grow.
I learned a lot and saw first-hand how incredibly innovative and dynamic these companies are in our province, making quality B.C.-made products from pita chips, to aluminum boats.
They provide great opportunities for skilled workers, and open the door for students and apprentices to get a head start in their trade.
Right here in the Shuswap, I have spent some time at several manufacturing firms that employ hundreds of our neighbours and friends. Firms like Tolko, which manufactures forestry products for export around the world, Delta-C Technologies in Salmon Arm, which manufactures critical components used in the oil and gas industry and Fink Machine Inc. in Enderby, which makes state-of-the-art bio-energy heating solutions for commercial and industrial users.
Our government is committed to growing this sector province-wide and we want to see it continue to prosper. That is why our government highlighted manufacturing as a key strategic priority in the BC Jobs Plan three- Year Progress Update last month. This means every sector in the BC Jobs Plan will have a renewed focus emphasizing manufacturing to continue job growth in this vital sector.
So please join me join me in celebrating the manufacturing sector in B.C. and right here in the Shuswap.
- Greg Kyllo