PCG Vancouver Participates in Consular Corps Luncheon and Briefing at Government House and Parliament Building at Victoria

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin (Seated Third from Right) with the Foreign Representatives from the Consular Corps of British Columbia, together with the Premier David Eby (Center) and MLA Susie Chant (Fifth from Left). (Photo courtesy of Consular Corps of BC)

Victoria, British Columbia — 28 May 2026 — The Consul General attended the Consular Corps of British Columbia luncheon and official briefing held at Government House and the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, British Columbia, on 20 May 2026. The event brought together foreign representatives based in Vancouver and across British Columbia to engage with provincial leaders on key strategic and economic priorities. The briefing highlighted the Province of British Columbia’s strategic priorities, with particular focus on defense procurement, the Province’s “Look West” strategy, and emerging opportunities in mining and critical minerals development. Discussions also covered British Columbia’s strategic planning and permitting framework, as well as initiatives being undertaken by the provincial government to facilitate international cooperation and investment in these sectors.

(L-R) Philippine Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, MLA Paul Choi, MLA Susie Chant, Indonesian Consul General Nina Kurnia Widhi, and Malaysian Consul General Ahmad Shazril bin Suhaimi at the Government House. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

The event began with a luncheon at the Government House co-hosted by the Government of British Columbia and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. It was graced by the presence of the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) of British Columbia, including MLA Susie Chant, MLA Paul Choi, and Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey.

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin (Left) with Jerymy Brownrdige (Right), Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Assistant Deputy Minister of Government House (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Following the luncheon, members of the Consular Corps proceeded to the Parliament Buildings, where they were invited to observe proceedings of the Legislative Assembly from the Chamber Gallery during the Oral Question Period. During the visit, members of the Consular Corps were escorted to the entrance of the Parliamentary Library for a group photograph with Premier David Eby and several Members of the Legislative Assembly. The delegation subsequently proceeded to the Ned DeBeck Lounge for the official briefing program.

(Photo above) MLA Susie Chant commenced the briefing at the Ned DeBeck Lounge. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

MLA Susie Chant formally opened the proceedings and introduced Premier David Eby for his keynote remarks. In his address, Premier Eby discussed current developments surrounding the oil pipeline project in Northern British Columbia, as well as other major infrastructure and resource initiatives being pursued within the province. He emphasized the potential of these projects to contribute not only to the economic growth of British Columbia and Canada, but also to create opportunities for economic cooperation and mutual benefit with the respective countries represented by members of the Consular Corps.

(Photos above) Premier David Eby gave his introductory remarks to the Consular Corps of BC. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin (Right, standing), asks a question during the question and answer portion with Premier Eby (Left). (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

The briefing commenced with remarks from Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, MLA Ravi Kahlon, who outlined the Province’s “Look West” strategy aimed at strengthening trade relations and aligning economic growth with global security priorities. He highlighted British Columbia’s competitive advantages in mining, critical minerals, and quantum technologies, while emphasizing the province’s efforts to position itself as a leading economic engine within Canada. Minister Kahlon also noted that defense procurement is increasingly viewed as a long-term economic and industrial strategy capable of driving investment, innovation, and employment opportunities across the province.

(Photo above) MLA Ravi Kahlon gave his briefing to the Consular Corps. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Minister of Environment and Parks MLA Tamara Davidson delivered remarks on the Province’s strategic direction and permitting processes. She emphasized the importance of respecting First Nations lands and ensuring responsible approvals for mining and critical minerals projects. Minister Davidson subsequently introduced a joint presentation on the Province’s efforts to expedite mining permits, delivered by Nate Amman-Blake, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals, and Alex MacLennan, Associate Deputy Minister and Chief Executive Assessment Officer of the Environmental Assessment Office.

(Photo above) MLA Tamara Davidson gave her remarks before introducing the next presenters. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

(Photo above) Nate Amman-Blake (Right), Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals, and Alex MacLennan (Left), Associate Deputy Minister and Chief Executive Assessment Officer of the Environmental Assessment Office

(Photo above) Closing remarks by Ricardo Arredondo, Consul General of Argentina (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Closing remarks were delivered by the Consul General of Argentina, Ricardo Arredondo, who expressed appreciation to the Government of British Columbia team for organizing the briefing and sharing valuable insights on mining development and permitting processes. He noted that the discussion provided useful perspectives for the diplomatic community in British Columbia, supporting stronger cooperation in trade, economic development, and future investment opportunities among representative countries. END

(Photo above) Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin (Seventh from the Left, standing) with the Foreign representatives of the Consular Corps for a group photo with the Members of the Legislative Assembly of BC. (Photo courtesy of Consular Corps of BC)

(L-R) Indonesian Consul General Nina Kurnia Widha, Malaysian Consul General Ahmad Shazril bin Suhaimi, and Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin in front of the Parliament Building in Victoria