Victoria, British Columbia — The government of British Columbia is doing its part to support environmentally sustainable Canadian businesses with the announcement of investments in 24 projects across the province.

On Sunday, the provincial government issued a press release announcing that “The Supply Chain Resiliency Grant Program has awarded one-time funding of up to $400,000 to organizations with wide-ranging projects that focus on various aspects of fortifying B.C.’s manufacturing ecosystem.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated the importance of our manufacturing sector for the critical made-in-B.C. goods it delivers and jobs it provides in every region of the province,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. 

“This investment and partnership with business associations and communities strengthen our province’s supply chains, helps protect our industry sectors from external interruptions and helps B.C. manufacturers become even more globally competitive.”

Among the recipients of the grant were Victoria-based Rainhouse Manufacturing Canada Ltd, in partnership with Canadian Electric Vehicles Ltd. and the University of Victoria for a project designing, testing and certifying battery packs for the manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicles.

“This multi-sector initiative will help increase manufacturing diversity in B.C., boost the emerging market of battery technology, drive the local economy, and support green technologies in many areas, including electric vehicles, marine transportation, ocean research and off-grid storage,” said Rainhouse president Ray Brougham.