British Columbia is known for its natural beauty, temperate climate, and west coast lifestyle — but even those advantages are no longer enough to retain its residents. Over the past year, nearly 70,000 people left B.C. for other parts of Canada, marking the highest out-migration in provincial history.
B.C. has long attracted more residents from other provinces than it lost. Since 1962, net interprovincial migration to B.C. averaged +14,000 annually. That pattern has flipped. Since 2023, B.C. has posted net losses between 5,000 and 9,000 people per year.
What’s driving the reversal? Primarily a sharp increase in out-migration. Close to 70,000 residents left B.C. last year — a record. In contrast, only about 55,000 people moved in from other provinces, below the long-term average.
Where are they going? Mostly Alberta and Ontario. Alberta alone drew over 35,000 British Columbians in the past year — an all-time high — thanks to stronger job prospects, lower costs, and geographical proximity.
Who is leaving matters just as much as how many. Data shows 77% of out-migrants are under age 40. These are typically young, highly educated, and economically motivated individuals — precisely the people B.C. businesses and services depend on for growth.
The long-term implications are significant. A smaller pool of skilled workers could limit economic growth and innovation. At the same time, reduced tax contributions from younger workers may put more pressure on public finances — leaving those who remain facing higher taxes, increased debt, or reduced public services.
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👉 So Long, Farewell… the number of people leaving B.C. hit a new record
By David Williams & Jairo Yunis | BCBC, July 28, 2025