Vancouver, B.C., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC) today released an update summarizing the results of its Stay With B.C. campaign — a province-wide initiative that heard from more than 3,000 British Columbians across 100 communities about the mounting economic pressures prompting many to consider leaving the province.
The report, titled Stay With BC: Voices and Solutions for a Brighter Future, brings forward real stories from individuals and families—many of them young professionals and business owners—who say that rising costs, stagnant wages, excessive red tape, and strained public services are making life in B.C. increasingly unaffordable and unsustainable.
Launched in December 2024, the Stay With B.C. campaign was a tongue-in-cheek response to Alberta’s “Alberta is Calling” advertising campaign. BCBC flipped the script and asked British Columbians: If Alberta is calling, what would it take to make you stay?
The campaign sparked a wave of engagement from communities across the province — from the northern reaches of Fort Nelson to the coastal shores of Port McNeill, the village of Clinton in the interior, and the city streets of Vancouver. Despite their differences, people shared a common sentiment: they are feeling left behind. When asked what concerns them most, respondents pointed to the following:
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- Housing and affordability (36%)
The cost of living is soaring, and a lack of supply combined with high construction costs is putting homeownership out of reach.
- Housing and affordability (36%)
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- Taxes & regulation (28%)
Layers of red tape and rising taxes are making it harder to run a business, save for retirement or get ahead.
- Taxes & regulation (28%)
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- Jobs & wages (23%)
Job creation is low, and salaries aren’t keeping up. Many people say they’re working harder than ever but still falling further behind.
- Jobs & wages (23%)
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- Public services – including healthcare and transportation (18%)
Aging infrastructure, long wait times, and thousands of British Columbians without a family doctor are leaving critical needs unmet.
- Public services – including healthcare and transportation (18%)
“The number of responses we received was well beyond anything we expected,” said Braden McMillan, BCBC’s Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs. “It was heartbreaking to read so many personal and deeply …