IN THE KNOW:
Solaires and Certn celebrate new milestones
Announcements by two former Douglas 10 to Watch winners will support growth and revenue as they continue building their businesses.
Cleantech company Solaires will receive $1.55 million in non-dilutive funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to accelerate the commercialization of its perovskite-based photovoltaic solutions.
The funds will be used to further develop its PVModules for use in new applications like transportation and building-integrated solar solutions. Solaires says its technology can enhance energy efficiency for low-power electronic devices and provide significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions in the transportation and energy sectors.
Background screening company Certn has secured $30M more in financing from the business Development Bank of Canada. The $30M investment will enable the company to further expand its AI- and automation-powered background checks.
“BDC’s partnership represents a significant milestone for Certn and reflects their confidence in our leadership and strategic direction,” said Andrew McLeod, CEO of Certn. “This investment accelerates our mission to enhance trust and supports our ambitious growth trajectory. We’re excited to continue refining our global offering, empowering users to manage background screening with greater control and efficiency.”
UVIC announces new Faculty of Health
The University of Victoria (UVic) says it will establish a new Faculty of Health beginning May 1, 2025. It will unite six schools: Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education; Health Information Science; Medical Sciences; Nursing; Public Health and Social Policy; and Social Work.
The creation of this new faculty is aimed at addressing the growing complexities of health care in Canada and the increasing demand for health care professionals and specialized research. By consolidating UVic’s research and educational resources in the health field, the new faculty will bring together more than 200 faculty members working in health and wellness.
The Faculty of Health offers expanded research opportunities, academic programs, and new partnerships that are expected to have far-reaching impacts. It will provide students with new experiential and training opportunities in a research-enriched learning environment, including paid co-op placements.
The initiative also emphasizes Indigenous-led scholarship and aims to address systemic barriers to health care. In alignment with UVic’s Indigenous Plan 2023, the Faculty of Health will include Indigenous perspectives in its programming through a distinctions-based approach.
New Destination Stewardship Strategy to promote sustainability
4VI has announced that it has partnered with Tansi Tourism Solutions to co-develop a Destination Stewardship Strategy for the Vancouver Island Region. Tansi is a Métis-majority-owned organization specializing in Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism development across Canada.
“Together,” says 4VI President Brian Cant, “we are building a strategy on the foundation of reciprocity—ensuring tourism gives back more than it takes by strengthening communities, protecting the environment, and fostering deeper connections to place.”
The organization says the strategy will engage with Indigenous communities, support community-driven economic development that balances growth with environmental stewardship, and advocate for tourism that aligns with local values, cultural preservation, and natural conservation.
BC Government unveils economic security plan in Throne Speech
Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia delivered a throne speech outlining the BC government’s strategy to protect British Columbians from potential US tariffs.
The plan includes fast-tracking major private-sector projects, diversifying trade relationships, and introducing new laws to accelerate energy and infrastructure development.
In a media release, Premier David Eby said “We are at a crossroads. The journey ahead won’t be easy but there’s no place I would rather be to face the threat of tariffs than right here in B.C., and nothing I’d want to be more than Canadian. We have everything we need to protect ourselves from the economic impacts of the Trump presidency and come out stronger.”
Ahead of Budget 2025, which will be released on March 4, the Throne Speech highlights the following areas of focus:
• A tough and thoughtful response to any attack on Canada’s economy and sovereignty, as part of a united Team Canada approach.
• Fast-tracking major private-sector resource projects and building on B.C.’s strengths in technology, life sciences and film.
• Diversifying where B.C. sells its products: with new trade missions to strengthen relationships around the world and by breaking down trade barriers within Canada.
• Strengthening access to health care: by attaching more people to a family doctor and building new hospitals throughout the province.
• Helping with costs: by delivering more homes people can afford, locking in child care and car insurance savings, and passing new consumer-protection laws.
New websites boost Made-in-Canada products amid trade tensions
Vancouver entrepreneurs have launched CanadianAlternative.to and IsThat.ca, digital platforms designed to help consumers discover and support Canadian-made products and software. These initiatives come as trade tensions with the United States escalate, aiming to strengthen national economic resilience.
Thales and Malahat Nation partner on new operations centre
The Malahat Business Park has a new tenant, in a partnership that sees the Malahat Nation hosting Thales’s new West Coast Operations Centre.
There, Thales will oversee the refit, repair and maintenance of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) and Joint Support Ships (JSS) fleets, together with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Fleet Maintenance Facilities.
A global leader in advanced technologies, Thales has 81,000 employees in 68 countries.
CEO Chris Pogue said, “This partnership with the Malahat Nation underscores Thales’ dedication to working with Indigenous communities, fostering mutual growth, and emphasizing sustainable practices.”
Malahat Nation Chief George Harry said “This partnership represents an important step toward empowering our community and ensuring that our voices are heard in technological advancements that will shape the future.”
The new development was built in partnership with the business management arm of the Malahat Nation, Yos Economic Development. It will incorporate an innovative water capture and re-use system to promote the sustainable use of water in support of the maintenance of the natural landscape.
Dragons Den opens new round of auditions
The producers of Dragon’s Den have announced Vancouver dates on their 2025 audition tour, citing Saku, Blume, Monos, and SmartSweets as some of the many successful Dragons’ Den alumni from B.C.
The program gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of Canadian business moguls. Last season Elate Cosmetics’ founder Melodie Reynolds (a 2015 Douglas 10 to Watch winner) pitched her company.
Interested businesses can apply in person on March 1 and 2, from 10am – 5pm at CBC Vancouver on Hamilton Street, and submit their application at cbc.ca/dragonsden/auditions.
FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:
We talk to businesses who are finding sustainability equals profit.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
MARCH
March 4 – 6: Rising Economy conference
MAY
May 4 – 9: International Seaweed Symposium
May 27 – 30: Web Summit
JUNE
June 4: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
June 10: TEDxVictoria
