Building B.C: Major Projects Driving Economic Growth Presented by KPMG

Building B.C.: Major Projects Driving Economic Growth Presented by KPMG

We have entered a new era of political and economic volatility that demands a response and collaborative action from government, the business community, First Nations, and all British Columbians. This new reality requires a proactive made-in-B.C. growth strategy that addresses the reality of our dependence on U.S. trade and the root causes of affordability challenges to set us on a path to sustainable prosperity. Simply put, we need an Agenda for Economic Growth.

A key component of that strategy will be how we advance and build the major projects that can be key drivers of growth. Join us for a conversation on how we can build for the future and hear updates on some of Greater Vancouver’s most exciting projects shaping our region.

Keynote

The Honourable Ravi Kahlon
Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Government of British Columbia

Ravi Kahlon was first elected as the MLA for Delta North in 2017.
Ravi was appointed Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs in November 2024. He previously held the role of Minister of Housing, and has also served as Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Multiculturalism, Parliamentary Secretary for Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. Born and raised in Victoria, Ravi was introduced to Field Hockey by his father and grandfather. He is a two-time Olympian in the sport for Team Canada and has been inducted into the Delta Sports Hall of Fame.
Prior to his election as an MLA, Ravi spent seven years in banking, and another six years working with the New Democrat Caucus as Director of Stakeholder Relations. Ravi has been active in the North Delta community for many years as a volunteer on the boards of the Delta Parks and Recreation Committee and Men’s High Performance Field Hockey BC. He is also a certified coach and mentor to many youth in North Delta, and spends time coaching field hockey and soccer.

Ministerial Panel

The Honourable Jagrup Brar

Minister for Mining and Critical Minerals

The Honourable Diana Gibson

Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

The Honourable Ravi Kahlon

Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs

Additional speakers to be announced.

Remarks

Heather Exner-Pirot
Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment
Macdonald-Laurier Institute

Heather Exner-Pirot is a Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Special Advisor to the Business Council of Canada, Managing Editor of the Arctic Yearbook, Research Advisor to the Indigenous Resource Network, and Global Fellow at the Wilson Centre in Washington D.C.
Her participation in this event is supported by the Unleashing Canadian Prosperity project, which is working in collaboration with local trade and chamber of commerce organizations across Canada in 2025 to advance discussions on economic growth, responsible resource development, and Canada’s global competitiveness.

Industry Panel: Building B.C.

Tariffs, regulatory delays, and economic uncertainty are making it challenging to get major projects off the ground in British Columbia. From natural resources to transit, energy, and infrastructure, industry leaders will share insights on how we can overcome roadblocks, accelerate approvals, drive investment and partner with Indigenous Nations. Join us for a dynamic discussion on how businesses can attract investment, navigate policy challenges, and get B.C. building.