BC Premier calls on Mann, talks focus on trade, investment, people-to-people links

Mann pointed out that Punjab offers robust infrastructure, a skilled English speaking workforce and a business friendly environment, ranking among the leading states in ease of doing business. He said ‘Invest Punjab’ provides single window clearance and comprehensive support to investors.

Premier Eby thanked the Punjab government for its hospitality and said Punjab holds a special place in the hearts of Punjabis living in British Columbia. He expressed interest in strengthening business ties and exploring cooperation in areas such as skill development and energy. Ravi Kahlon, Canadian Minister for Jobs and Economic Growth, was also a part of the delegation.

The meeting assumes significance as it comes amid strained ties between India and Canada following a diplomatic row over the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June 2023. Relations had worsened after allegations by Canadian authorities of Indian agents’ involvement in the killing, which India had strongly denied, leading to tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions.

Against this backdrop, the interaction between the British Columbia Premier and the Punjab Chief Minister, focused squarely on “trade, investment and people-to-people links”, indicates an effort towards a tentative thaw at a sub-national level, even as differences between the two countries persist.

Mann said British Columbia’s expertise in sustainable farming, food security and greenhouse technologies aligns well with Punjab’s agricultural modernisation goals, opening opportunities in precision farming, post-harvest systems and value-added food processing. Education and skill development, he added, was another promising area, with scope for collaboration between Canadian universities and Punjab in research and vocational training,” said the government statement.

He also flagged opportunities for Canadian firms in healthcare and life sciences, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and telemedicine, as well as in renewable energy through solar and bioenergy projects. In IT and digital transformation, Mann said Punjab was keen to collaborate in cyber security, artificial intelligence and agri-tech. Manufacturing and engineering, especially agricultural machinery and precision engineering, were identified as other high-potential areas.

The Chief Minister said Punjab’s agricultural exports such as wheat, rice, kinnow, litchi and processed food products have strong demand in Canada, supported by the large Indian diaspora. He also proposed collaboration in textiles and apparel and stressed the role of the Punjabi diaspora as a bridge for commercial and cultural exchange.

Inviting Canada to participate as a partner country at the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026, Mann also called on leading Canadian universities to explore setting up campuses in Mohali and invited Canadian technology and service companies to establish IT and ITeS operations there. He assured Canadian investors of full facilitation and support.

Punjab occupies a sensitive place in India-Canada relations. Canada is home to around 770,000 Sikhs, the largest Sikh diaspora outside Punjab. The largest Sikh populations in Canada are found in Ontario, followed by British Columbia. There are 14 Punjabi origin MLAs in the 93-member British Columbia assembly. It’s the highest ever number. They won in October 2024 elections. The shadow of Khalistani separatism, rooted in the violent insurgency of the 1980s and early 1990s, still looms large. India has long accused Canada of being soft on pro-Khalistan elements, while Canada insists on its commitment to free speech and rule of law. These differences have repeatedly strained bilateral ties.