The program is based on the Innovator Skills Initiative and would provide companies with up to $10,000 per employee for the first four months, but the grant amount has been increased and preference is given to employers hiring those who are a minority or part of the LGBTQ community. 

Brenda Bailey, the parliamentary secretary for technology and innovation, says the goal now is to revamp the existing program to create a more inclusive and sustainable technology economy. 

B.C. Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says this is one way the government is working to reinvigorate the job market by providing employers the funding they need to create jobs for those most affected by the pandemic. 

He says the pandemic has been disproportionately hard on women and Indigenous and Black communities for employment. 

“We want to ensure everyone gets an opportunity to benefit from economic recovery.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 27, 2021.

The Canadian Press