Campaign Urges Skilled Labour To 'Stay With B.C.'

The Business Council of British Columbia is delivering a new message with its largest-ever advertising campaign, that the economy and affordability go hand in hand.

The "Stay with B.C." campaign flips the script on Alberta’s well-known "Alberta is Calling" ads with clever visuals designed to spark a conversation about the critical role a strong economy plays in addressing affordability challenges and keeping young, talented British Columbians in the province.

For the first time in over a decade, more people are leaving B.C. for other provinces and territories than arriving.

Rising costs, limited job opportunities, and strained public services are driving this trend, with a 2024 survey revealing that one in three British Columbians is seriously considering leaving.

Meanwhile, other provinces are using the opportunity to aggressively recruit British Columbians.

For the first time in over a decade, B.C. is experiencing a net population loss to other Canadian provinces and territories.

50 percent of people leaving B.C. for other provinces are moving to Alberta.

67 percent of those leaving are under the age of 40, highlighting a significant loss of young talent.

Cost of living was the number one issue for voters during the 2024 B.C. provincial election.