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VICTORIA – New figures from Statistics Canada show British Columbia led all provinces in interprovincial migration in 2007, attracting nearly 13,400 people, a 31 per cent increase over 2006.
“British
Columbia’s reputation as a great place for people to live, work and raise a
family is spreading across the nation,” said Economic Development Minister
Colin Hansen. “This is the first time in over a decade any province other than
Alberta has led the country in interprovincial migration, and it shows British
Columbia’s strong economy, low taxes and range of job opportunities are a
powerful incentive for people to come to our province.”
During the fourth quarter of 2007, the population of
British Columbia grew by an estimated 11,042 people, resulting in a growth rate
of 1.5 per cent between Jan. 1, 2007 and Jan. 1, 2008.
“British
Columbia’s diverse culture and heritage make it an attractive place for people
from around the world to visit and live,” said Hansen. “We are working to
attracted skilled workers from across Canada and around the world to meet the
needs of our growing economy.”
Since December 2001,
British Columbia has created more than 400,000 new jobs, and reached a 31-year
record low in unemployment in 2007. The province also has 835 major capital projects, worth an estimated
record $148.1 billion planned or underway.
As outlined in WorkBC, the provincial action plan to address skills shortages, B.C. needs to bring in 30,000 workers per year to address current and projected skills shortages, including 10,000 from interprovincial migration.
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Public Affairs Officer 250 952-0509 |
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