Reasons to choose B.C.

The United Nations Human Development Index consistently ranks Canada as one of the world's best countries to live in. British Columbia, in particular, offers its residents a high quality of life due to a combination of robust public services, strong and stable economy, as well as safe and secure environment.

Abundant opportunities in the province attract workers, students, and entrepreneurs all over the world who enjoy a rich cultural tapestry shaped by immigration. Its welcoming communities that boast breathtaking natural landscapes and year-round outdoor activities make B.C. an ideal place to build a life and raise a family.

Vancouver, its major urban centre, regularly ranks in the top five most livable cities in the world, according to Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking and the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Livability Index.

To learn about public services that provide British Columbians a high quality of life, visit gov.bc.ca, the official website of the Government of British Columbia.

British Columbia's diverse economy offers a wide range of work industries that make it an attractive place to work or start a business in. 

Workers in B.C. earn high competitive wages across a variety of industry sectors such as construction, healthcare, and technology, among others. Skilled professionals across the globe are attracted to the province's stable employment environment that offers work-life balance through outdoor recreation. To discover the vast range of work opportunities within the province's labour market, visit WorkBC.ca.  

Entrepreneurs in B.C. enjoy a competitive, pro-business tax system that makes it easy to start a new business, or grow an existing one. The province has 8 vibrant economic regions that boasts a highly skilled workforce, each with unique economic development opportunities for business growth.

Businesses (foreign corporations) benefit from B.C.'s regional advantage as the global gateway of Canada's west coast. Home to the Port of Vancouver, Canada's largest port, and the Port of Prince Rupert, North America's closest port to Asia, B.C's strategic location provides connectivity and access to major local and global markets.

To learn more, visit the Trade and Invest British Columbia website.

British Columbia attracts students from all over the world due to its world-class education, high quality of life, and diverse career opportunities. The province offers its residents free K-12 education, and is home to top-ranked institutions such as the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria.

B.C.'s education system is renowned for its Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, including a seamless credit transfer program between institutions. Its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant arts, culture and culinary scene, as well as lively urban and rural experiences provide a great learning environment for a balanced academic lifestyle.

Canada is known for its public universal healthcare system that provides accessible healthcare to citizens and residents. In British Columbia, eligible residents are provided healthcare through the Medical Services Plan (MSP), which covers medically necessary services. Many B.C. employers also offer their workers extended benefit plans, which include full medical and dental coverage options. In addition, the province offers programs such as PharmaCare for prescription drugs, as well as HealthLink BC for reliable, 24/7 health information and services.

With the passing of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act in 1988, Canada became the the first country in the world to have a national multiculturalism law that legally established the country's commitment to protect and promote cultural diversity. As Canada's most ethnically diverse province, one of B.C.'s greatest strengths is the diversity of its people who call the province home.

B.C. is home to over 200 distinct Indigenous peoples, each with their own unique languages and cultures. The province welcomes thousands of new immigrants from across the globe each year, further contributing to its rich cultural diversity.

In B.C., every third week of November is proclaimed as Multiculturalism Week, which is a dedicated time to celebrate the contributions of the British Columbia's multicultural communities. For more information, visit the Government of British Columbia's multiculturalism and anti-racism page.

British Columbia's natural beauty is a harmony of diverse and dramatic landscapes that captivate visitors and residents alike. From the tranquil stretches of the Pacific coastline, to the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains, the province offers an incredible range of breathtaking scenery.

B.C. is renowned for its stunning landscapes, which include scenic coastlines, majestic mountains and glacial lakes, lush rainforests, and expansive national parks. Where snow-capped mountains meet the ocean, the province offers unique adventures for outdoor enthusiasts, allowing them to ski and sail on the same day.

The natural beauty of B.C. is not just about its scenery; it's also about the abundant array of wildlife that calls the province home. From bears, elks and moose, to sea lions, orcas and humpback whales, British Columbia is one of the best places in the world to experience nature and wildlife.

To learn more about B.C.'s breathtaking natural beauty, visit SuperNaturalBC.com.

Canada consistently ranks among the world's safest countries. British Columbia, in particular, offers its residents a safe living environment due in large part to a combination of effective public safety programs, a multi-faceted approach to law enforcement, and a focus on public well-being.

B.C. has a low Crime Severity Index (CSI) and employs a well-organized system for ensuring public safety. Many B.C. communities have crime reduction strategies that include collaboration between various levels of governments, the police, and social services that are tailored to the needs of its diverse communities. In addition, the province significantly invests in programs that enhance public safety, such as crime prevention, emergency management, and fire safety.

To learn more, visit the Government of British Columbia's public safety and emergency services page.