New data released by Statistics Canada shows that British Columbia has broken a 60-year-old record for the number of people that moved to the province in 2021.
According to the year-end data, it shows that B.C.’s net migration reached 100,797 people in 2021, which is the highest annual total since 1961. The Province specifies that net migration is the number of people who moved to B.C. from another province or territory, or from another country, minus the number of people who left.
“People are coming to B.C. in record numbers because they know that by investing in people, we are building a stronger province where their families will have a safe and secure future,” said Premier John Horgan. “We welcome these newcomers with open arms, and we are determined to deliver the services and housing people in B.C. need to support this record growth.”
Of the people who moved to B.C. last year, 33,656 people came from other Canadian provinces or territories, which is the highest number seen since 1994 and the highest in Canada, notes the Province.
“This positions B.C. as a leader across the country in attracting new talent to fill an anticipated one million job openings over the next decade,” says the B.C. government, adding that 80 per cent of future job openings will require some leve of post-secondary education.
Minister Kahlon adds that he is excited to welcome all newcomers that chose to make B.C. home this past year.
“Our StrongerBC Economic Plan makes it clear – B.C.’s strength is its people. Building a B.C. that’s attracting record numbers of newcomers is an important part of our work to help tackle the labour shortage, as these new British Columbians will help us fill the jobs of tomorrow, drive innovation and support our care economy,” said Kahlon.
The government suggests that the StrongerBC Economic plan will help the province compete and thrive in an ever-changing global economy.
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