Over 100,000 people moved to B.C. last year, according to new data released by Statistics Canada — the highest number since 1961.
That figure represents net migration — the number of people who moved to B.C. minus the number of people who left, according to a media release by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.
“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, according to the ministry.
“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. Nearly 80 per cent of these future job openings will require some level of post-secondary education or training,” the release reads.
The remaining 67,141 people who made B.C. home in 2021 came from abroad and last year marked the second-highest level of international immigration to B.C. on record. B.C. was second only to Ontario in terms of international migration, according to the ministry.
Last month, the province introduced changes to the Provincial Nominee Program so immigrants who received international training in health care and child care can more easily transfer their credentials in B.C. and begin working in these high-demand fields.
