February 24, 2003
High Technology Industry in Burnaby
MLA Statement
R. Lee: I have the great honour to rise in the House today to speak about the tremendous economic potential of my community of Burnaby. Many of you heard the news last week that eBay, a major Internet auction service, announced it will open its first Canadian call centre in my riding of Burnaby North. This call centre will employ more than 600 people, and recruitment already began last Saturday in a BCIT job fair. This new employment will certainly be a welcome boost to our local economy, but beyond that, having a top-notch Internet company like eBay setting up operations reinforces Burnaby's place on the international information technology map.
We in Burnaby knew before that our community was the destination for technology. With companies like Ballard Power Systems, PMC-Sierra, Creo Products and Electronic Arts Canada, there was certainly no doubt in my mind. Indeed, B.C. is open for business, and because of that, so is Burnaby. Through this government's commitment to building a new era for knowledge workers, we have been successful in getting that message out to the international high-tech community.
I have stood in this House in the past and spoken about the need for British Columbia to add to our traditional resource-based economy, by diversifying our economy and attracting new investment. We must adapt to the new global economy. B.C. is well suited to become Canada's leader for the research and development sector, and Burnaby's ready to lead the charge. Down the road I see not just eBay opening its doors in Burnaby but many other companies, large and small, that recognize the exceptional climate Burnaby has to offer.
