For too long, British Columbia’s economic narrative has been framed in false binaries. In one corner, technology: dynamic, fast-growing, and reshaping industries around the world. In the other, our traditional natural resource sectors such as forestry, mining, energy, and agriculture that have formed the backbone of BC’s economy for generations. Too often, these sectors are pitted against each other, as though progress in one must come at the expense of the other.
The market sees things differently. It’s time to reframe this narrative and openly embrace the economic opportunities that come from integrating technology and natural resources.
Technology is not a siloed industry competing with natural resources for talent, capital, or public attention. It is an enabling force that can unlock productivity, reduce environmental impacts, and expand economic opportunities across every corner of BC. The future of our natural resource sectors will be defined not by whether they can resist disruption, but by how effectively they integrate and adopt new technologies.
Innovation is happening everywhere. The perception that technology is something that happens in downtown Vancouver undervalues the work already taking place in communities like Prince Rupert and Fort St. John. We need to foster a shared understanding that innovation needs to be fostered everywhere: in mills and mines as much as in boardrooms and accelerators.
British Columbia is home to some of the world’s most advanced exploration and extraction operations. Automation, AI-enabled ore sorting, and real-time environmental monitoring are already keeping BC mining competitive and sustainable. Innovation that reduces emissions in resource sectors often lay the groundwork for broader climate solutions that can be exported globally.
Forestry, a traditional cornerstone of our economy, is embracing innovation with satellite imagery, remote sensors, and data analytics improving efficiency and protecting ecosystems.
Carbon capture technologies, AI-powered data centres, and smarter supply chain optimization are further transforming how resources are developed and delivered.
Governments at all levels have a role to play in this mindset shift. Public policies should not treat technology and resource development as separate silos. Instead, tax incentives, funding, training programs, and procurement should be designed to strengthen cross-sector partnerships. British Columbia’s newly expanded Integrated Marketplace is a great signal in this shift and capitalizing on the regionality and integration of Indigenous communities is key to its success.
BC’s prosperity depends on maximizing all of our competitive advantages. Our natural resources have been an economic cornerstone, and they can remain so, but only if we modernize. Our innovation sector is among the most vibrant in Canada, but its greatest impact will come from building bridges into every part of our economy.
The bottom line: this is not an either-or conversation. It is an integrated vision that sees technology as essential to the success of BC’s resource sectors and vice versa. In doing so, we can generate good jobs, attract investment, and deliver more sustainable growth across the province.
Nicole Brassard is VP, British Columbia at Global Public Affairs.