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B.C. Leads Nation in Interprovincial Migration

April 2, 2008

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.
B.C. to Keep Robson Square Open for Paralympics
The British Columbia Pavilion and activities at Robson Square that have become a focal point for people to gather and celebrate during the Olympic Winter Games will also be open during the Paralympic Winter Games.
'Downtown Eastside Connect' Opens at Woodward's
British Columbians, media and visitors to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games can learn about the partnerships and investments improving the quality of life for people in the Downtown Eastside at a new information centre.
$3-Million Housing for Homeless Opens in Saanich
Clover Place, a newly renovated $3-million housing development, has officially opened in Saanich providing 18 units of supportive housing for people who are chronically homeless or at risk of homelessness
Province Provides $37,000 Grant to Kelowna Winter Shelter
The Province is providing a $37,000 grant to the Inn from the Cold shelter to cover operating costs and allow them to continue to provide winter shelter.
$8.47 Million Shelter and Housing for Homeless in Duncan
Provincial and local partners gathered to celebrate the official opening of Warmland House, an $8.47-million development providing 15 emergency shelter beds and 24 transitional housing units for adults at risk of homelessness with mental health issues.
$28.8-Million Supportive Housing Breaks Ground in Vancouver
The groundbreaking of a $28.8-million supportive housing development on East 1st Ave. will provide 129 new apartments for people who are homeless.
Affordable Seniors' Housing Breaks Ground in Kelowna
The governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with community partners, broke ground in Kelowna on an $11.7-million, 72-unit housing development for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Applying for Benefits for Newborns Now Easier in B.C.
Common sense changes now allow B.C. parents of newborns to use a single application form to apply for a number of child benefits and services including MSP, the Canada Child Tax Benefit, Social Insurance Number (SIN) and birth certificate. This change should allow parents to focus on their newborn children - not bureaucratic paperwork.
Innovative $32-Million Affordable Housing Announced for Victoria
A former Hudson’s Bay site in downtown Victoria will be converted into an apartment building, providing a combination of 120 affordable home ownership and rental units. This investment will create even more local housing options for a city that has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in the province.
15 Years and $14-Million Builds More Choice for At-Risk Youth
BladeRunners, an employment program that helps at-risk youth between ages 15-30 gain the skills they need to take control over their futures and develop career opportunities, will see an additional $14-million in funding over the next five years. Over the past few years, BladeRunners has averaged close to 300 trainees per year, with almost 90 per cent of participants successfully transitioning into full time employment.
$5.9-Million Shelter and Transition House Opens in Terrace
A new $5.9-million emergency shelter and transitional housing development has opened in Terrace to house individuals at risk of homelessness. This facility integrates support services with housing to help people move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, greater self-reliance and appropriate employment.
$10.7-Million Women's Housing Breaks Ground in Kelowna
Province Invests $1.6-Million in Seniors' Supportive Housing
A newly announced $1.6-million grant will help renovate an additional 33-units of seniors’ housing in Vancouver. Over the last two years, over 750 units for low-income seniors and people with disabilities have been upgraded to include accessibility features such as bathroom grab bars, improved lighting in common areas, and other security and safety features.
Province Confirms New BC Place Roof for 2011
A fixed-priced contract for the construction of a new, retractable roof on BC Place after the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games has been signed between the BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) and PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Information
New Law Cracks Down on Distracted Driving
B.C. roads will be safer following legislative changes to prevent the use of hand-held cellphones, portable electronic devices and text messaging while driving.
New Act Restricts Sale and Possession of Body Armour
Gang members and organized criminals will no longer be able to hide behind body armour with the introduction of Canada’s first act that sets up a licensing and criminal record check regime for the sale and purchase of body armour.
Outstanding Warrants to be Ineligible for Social Assistance
The provincial government will restrict access to income assistance and disability assistance for people with outstanding indictable arrest warrants in B.C. and other provinces, as well as arrest warrants under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).
B.C., Canada Partner to Renew Social Housing
The Governments of Canada and British Columbia have announced 101 renovation and retrofit projects totaling approximately $177 million, which is cost-shared under the Housing Renovation Partnership, a jointly funded program to renovate and retrofit social housing over the next two years creating an estimated 1,130 jobs.
New Lower Mainland Jail Slated for Surrey
The Province will build a new secure, state-of- the-art corrections facility adjacent to the existing Surrey Pretrial Services Centre and connected by tunnel to both the courthouse and police station.
Province Continues Commitment to BC Fruit Growers
B.C. tree fruit growers have established themselves as leaders in this international industry and, as a result, have earned an outstanding reputation for their products worldwide. The Orchards and Vineyards Transition program works to ensure they remain competitive both in B.C. and in the global marketplace.
B.C. Supports Crime-Fighting Technology and Prevention
British Columbia’s commitment to improved federal wiretap and lawful access legislation was reaffirmed by Attorney General Michael de Jong and Solicitor General Kash Heed, as they joined the western justice ministers’ conference in Saskatoon to talk about innovative ways to both fight and prevent crime.
Provincial and Federal Partnership to Electrify the North
The Northwest Transmission Line will now go ahead with the announcement of $130 million committed by the Government of Canada through the Green Infrastructure Fund. This is an important step towards building a powerline that has the potential to generate billions of dollars in capital investment, create thousands of new jobs and open economic opportunities on a global scale in the Northwest.
$40,000 for Con Air Means More Criminals Heading Home
More fugitives wanted on outstanding warrants in other provinces will get a one-way ticket home to face justice, thanks to $40,000 in new provincial funding to the Vancouver Police Department’s Con Air program.
Government Supports Sports in British Columbia
Media have been reporting on the provincial government’s decisions regarding funding for sport in B.C. Here are the facts about investment by the BC Liberal government in sport...
Province Invests $2.4-Million to Boost Adult Literacy Skills
Free tutoring programs are being funded to help B.C. adults upgrade their education or improve their English and literacy skills. In total, $2.4-million is being invested to promote literacy in British Columbia.
B.C. Gives $600K for Housing for Seniors and Veterans
The Province is providing $600,000 to the Royal Canadian Legion Branches across B.C. to redevelop Legion-owned sites with affordable housing for veterans and low or fixed-income seniors.
$1.8-Million for Specialized Employment Services
New employment services are now available for people with learning, developmental, mental health and other neurological disabilities to help these individuals succeed in life through either full-time, part-time or self-employment. Services will be offered in Prince George, Terrace, Kamloops, Kelowna, Grand Forks , Comox, Campbell River, Duncan, Mill Bay, and the Vancouver area.
Province Funds Extra Insurance for Rescue Groups
The Province will build on the insurance it already provides to individual search and rescue volunteers, adding $180,000 for liability coverage to protect the volunteers’ societies.
BC Arts Council Provides $5.1-Million in Grant Awards
Individual artists and arts organizations across B.C. will receive $5.1 million in BC Arts Council grants in 2009-10. Since 2001, the BC Arts Council has provided over $124 million to assist artists and arts and cultural organizations throughout B.C.
$21.6-Million Development Creates Jobs and Supportive Housing
The first of 14 supportive housing developments on Vancouver city-owned sites has broken ground to provide people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with 80 new studio apartments. This year the BC Liberal government will spend over $469 million on shelters and affordable housing – more than four times than when first elected in 2001.
Affordable Seniors' Housing Breaks Ground in Squamish
The groundbreaking has taken place for a new $14-million, 84-unit housing development for seniors and people with disabilities in Squamish, creating 141 direct and indirect jobs. This project is part of a larger effort to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for low-income seniors and people with disabilities across the province.
New Housing Option for People at Howe Shelter
The Howe St. shelter will be closed on Aug. 7 and a new, more cost-effective and stable housing option will be available for those using the shelter.
B.C. and Kelowna Invest $8.4M in Housing for Homeless
The groundbreaking has taken place for a new 40-unit supportive housing development for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness thanks to provincial, municipal and community investments.
New Civil Rules Promote Access to Justice
New civil and family justice reforms introduced will lower costs and increase access to B.C.’s justice system for the average citizen by making it easier to use the courts and resolve legal disputes.
Update on Canada's First Community Court
Updated statistics for Vancouver’s Downtown Community Court reveal the courtroom concluded 1,273 cases between last September and April 2009.
More Police, Prosecutors, Tougher Laws to Tackle Gangs
The Province will dedicate an additional 168 police officers and 10 prosecutors as part of a comprehensive initiative to strengthen B.C.’s fight against gang and gun violence, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.
Province Acquires 15 Properties to Expand Housing
An investment of $34 million to purchase or lease 15 new properties to create and protect social housing will increase the number of locations acquired by the Province by 50 per cent, bringing the total number to 45, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.
New $1-Million Skills Training Program for Rural Communities
The Return to Work Employability Program, with a $1 million budget for 2008/09, creates new employment opportunities for British Columbians, providing them with the opportunity to obtain skills that today’s employers are seeking.
NDP Shows Dishonesty and Hypocrisy on Olympic Village
After 20 hours of partisan and highly personal attacks, the NDP's unanimous support for the amendments to the Vancouver Charter is nothing short of dishonesty and hypocrisy.
Statement on Bountiful Special Prosecution
Attorney General Wally Oppal has issued the following statement regarding a special prosecution into allegations of criminal misconduct in Bountiful.
Partnership to Shelter Homeless in Vancouver
An unprecedented partnership between the Province, the City of Vancouver and the private sector will provide $1.5 million to create up to 200 temporary shelter beds in three locations for people who are homeless in Vancouver.
Richmond Olympic Oval Officially Opened
Premier Gordon Campbell has officially opened the Richmond Olympic Oval, home of speed skating for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Torch Relay will Bring Spirit of the Games to 266 B.C. Communities
Premier Gordon Campbell was joined by representatives of VANOC and the Government of Canada to unveil the route for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, which will begin and end here in British Columbia.
Premier Announces $31-Million Cycling Investment
Cyclists throughout British Columbia will benefit from new, safe and high-quality cycling trails, bike lanes, bike lockers and more, thanks to Bike BC, a $31-million program for cycling infrastructure.
Premier Opens Canada's First Community Court
Premier Gordon Campbell opened Canada’s first community court, in downtown Vancouver, bringing together a host of integrated services aimed at helping offenders break free from the cycle of crime, homelessness, addictions and mental illness.
Crime Rate in B.C. Drops to Lowest in 30 Years
Crime reported to police is down in B.C. for the third year in a row. The report from the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics shows declines in violent crime, homicides and property crime for an overall decrease of eight per cent from 2006 to 2007.
Homeless Outreach Expands to Four More Communities
Homeless outreach services will soon be provided in Cranbrook, Revelstoke, Mission and Hope, bringing the number of communities served by the Homeless Outreach Program up to 47.
Firefighters Benefit from Additional Cancer Coverage
The Province has added primary site testicular cancer to the list of cancers recognized as occupational diseases for firefighters.
Province Supports Unique New Centre for Addicted Youth
The Central City Foundation will use a one-time $2 million grant from government to build the Crossing at Keremeos facility, which will become B.C.’s first long-term residential treatment centre for addicted youth.
Premier Unveils Tribute to BC Public Service Employees
Premier Gordon Campbell has unveiled a permanent tribute to the BC Public Service in the B.C. Legislature, recognizing the contributions public service employees make to British Columbia.
32 New Transition Beds for Homeless Youth
Premier Gordon Campbell was joined by provincial and community partners to celebrate a $5 million funding partnership for a major expansion to Covenant House Vancouver, a shelter and resource centre for homeless youth.
Improved Retirement Options for British Columbians
Amendments to the Pension Benefits Standards Act (PBSA) will give British Columbians more flexibility and choices when planning for their retirement.
Premier Unveils New Vision for BC Place & Art Gallery
A major renovation of BC Place Stadium - including a retractable roof after 2010 - will expand the city's sport, culture and entertainment district; feature a new home for the Vancouver Whitecaps; and provide a waterfront site for a new Art Gallery.
B.C. Leads Nation in Interprovincial Migration
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.
New Child Care Spaces for Prince George
Almost $500,000 in provincial funding will help the Family YMCA of Prince George create 77 new licensed child-care spaces.
Province Buys Six Hotels to Expand and Protect Housing
The Province is purchasing another six single room occupancy (SRO) hotels with 330 units in Vancouver to reduce homelessness and help protect affordable housing stock for those most in need.
CP BC Spirit of 150 Train Connects Past and Future
A year-long celebration of British Columbia’s 150th anniversary has been launched as Premier Gordon Campbell unveiled plans for a historic steam train tour that will take communities on a journey through B.C.’s rich and diverse history.
Roof Completion Marks Major Milestone for Richmond Oval
Premier Gordon Campbell, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie and other dignitaries marked a construction milestone for a major Olympic venue as the final section of the Richmond Oval’s massive 6.5-acre roof was lifted into place.
Province to Raise Homeowner Grant Threshold
For the fifth consecutive year, the Province will increase the homeowner grant threshold in response to rising property values across British Columbia.
B.C. to Introduce Security-Enhanced Birth Certificates
Effective Jan. 2, 2008, British Columbia will introduce a new, more secure and durable format of birth certificate.
Non-Profit Operators Selected for SRO Hotel Buildings
People in the Downtown Eastside will have better links to support services and more stable housing with the selection of 10 non-profit organizations to operate the single room occupancy (SRO) hotels purchased this year by the Province.
Increase to Transition House Staffing Protects Women
Women and children seeking refuge from violence will soon have 24/7 access to all provincially funded transition houses, thanks to a $6-million boost over three years to the Province’s violence intervention supports.
BC Liberals Expand Homeless Shelters, Housing Supports
On the first anniversary of B.C.’s Housing Matters strategy, Premier Gordon Campbell and Housing Minister Rich Coleman announced new and expanded measures to help break the cycle of homelessness with an added $41 million.
Premier Announces Long-Term Flood Protection Funding
The BC Liberal government will provide $100 million over 10 years to communities across British Columbia for flood protection infrastructure and maintenance.
Premier Opens World-Class Sports Training Facility
The new Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre in Prince George will draw and develop top athletes and increase physical activity in Northern B.C.
WelcomeBC to Help Immigrants Settle, Access Work
WelcomeBC, a new immigration initiative unveiled by Premier Gordon Campbell today, will help immigrants moving to British Columbia access existing and expanded services under one umbrella so they are better able to adapt to life in their new communities.
$5.5 Million in Funding for Arts and Culture
Local artists and cultural organizations across B.C. have been awarded more than $5.5 million in BC Arts Council grants.
BC Liberal Government Provides $11 Million for PG Airport Expansion
The BC Liberal government will provide up to $11 million to the Prince George Airport for expansion of its main runway so it can service larger airlines flying between Asia and North America.
Air India Memorial Unveiled in Vancouver
Premier Gordon Campbell participated in the unveiling of the Air India memorial in Vancouver, dedicated to the memory of those lost 22 years ago on the flight and in a related explosion at Japan’s Narita Airport.
Province Funds BC2008 Community Celebrations
The Province will provide $1 million in funding to help communities stage local BC2008 celebrations, the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858.
B.C. Gives $500,000 to Music Outreach Project for Youth
Vancouver inner city youth will benefit from a $500,000 grant to Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach – An Arts Umbrella Project.
BC Liberal Government to Protect 996 Affordable Housing Units
The BC Liberal government is funding 996 more units of supportive housing to reduce homelessness. The $80-million investment includes the purchase of 15 buildings in Vancouver, Victoria and Burnaby to protect affordable housing.
BC Liberal Government Increase Homeowner Grant Threshold
British Columbia will raise the home owner grant threshold in response to significant increases in property values.
LocalMotion Funding Now Available for Communities
Communities across B.C. are now eligible to access the new $40-million LocalMotion Fund, which will help build cycling and pedestrian pathways, improve safety and accessibility, and support children’s activity programs in playgrounds.
Premier Urges Joint Action on Housing Initiatives
Premier Gordon Campbell encouraged local governments to work with the Province to build more affordable housing and facilities to support people with mental illness and addictions.
Premier Announces New Funding for B.C. Municipalities
The BC Liberal Government will provide more than $40 million for municipalities to develop town squares in celebration of British Columbia's 150th anniversary and to help smaller communities build infrastructure.
New Strategy Improves Housing for Families, Homeless
Housing Matters BC, an innovative and comprehensive housing strategy to help British Columbians access affordable housing, will assist approximately 15,000 low-income working families and homeless individuals.
Foster Families to Benefit from $31-Million in New Funding
The majority of B.C.'s foster families will receive a rate increase of at least $200 per month, incrementally over the next three years.
$33 Million for Urgent Flood Protection
The BC Liberal government is providing $33 million to local governments, diking authorities and various ministry led projects across B.C. for critical flood protection projects that can be completed before spring runoff.
BC Liberal Government Boosts Disability Fund to $25 Million
More people with disabilities will have access to the supports they need to participate in the workplace thanks to a $5-million boost to the $20-million Disability Supports for Employment Fund.
BC Liberal Government Helps Communities Bust Grow-Ops
Amendments to the Safety Standards Act will help local authorities target and shut down marijuana grow operations more quickly and efficiently.
Province and City Plan New Vancouver Cultural Precinct
The BC Liberal Government and the City of Vancouver are launching a co-operative planning process to create a cultural precinct in downtown Vancouver.
BC Liberal Government Moves to Reduce Sale of Tobacco to Minors
Changes to the Tobacco Sales Act introduced will improve compliance with the Tobacco Sales Act and in particular, better prevent youth access to tobacco products.
Funding Increase for Youth Addictions & Crystal Meth
B.C. is increasing annual funding by $8 million for crystal meth treatment options and youth addictions services, including increasing bed capacity for youth with addictions and building treatment programs and supports for crystal meth users.
B.C. Adds 10 New Police Officers to Fight Cybercrime
B.C. is adding 10 new police officers to special units fighting Internet child pornography and other cybercrime such as hacking and identity theft.
Early Learning and Child Care Agreement a Landmark for B.C.
The federal and provincial governments have reached a historic Agreement in Principle that further supports the development of quality early learning and child care (ELCC) for young children and their families in B.C.
Supreme Court Rules B.C. Can Hold the Tobacco Industry Accountable for Practices
The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled unanimously in favour of B.C.’s effort to hold the tobacco industry to account for practices that have harmed so many British Columbians.
$7-Million in New Funding to Fight Crystal Meth
Premier Gordon Campbell has announced $7 million in additional funding and new initiatives to continue the fight against crystal meth.
B.C. Invests in Improving the Quality, Capacity and Accessibility of Child Care
Child care providers will benefit from an $8.1-million investment supporting the creation of more quality child care spaces, staff training and other service improvements.
Premier Campbell Announces Funding to Finish Surrey Kabaddi Field
Premier Gordon Campbell announced today that a BC Liberal Government will invest up to $250,000 to provide seating and washrooms for the Kabaddi field at Surrey’s Sullivan Heights Park.
Premier Announces New Museum, Multicultural Dialogues, to Showcase, Strengthen and Unleash B.C.’S Diversity
Premier Gordon Campbell today announced a BC Liberal government will establish an Asia-Pacific Museum of Trade and Culture, as well as annual Multicultural Dialogues, to celebrate, strengthen and unleash the power of B.C.’s rich cultural diversity.
Gateway Visitor Centre to be Built in BC's Crossroads in Merritt
Canada’s Country Music Capital will be the home of B.C.’s newest and biggest Gateway Visitor Centre, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.
$3.5-Million Grant to Support Canuck Place
B.C. children with life-threatening conditions and their families will benefit from a $3.5‑million contribution to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice to enhance access to respite, end of life and bereavement support services.
$10-million Invested to Make Schools Centres of Communities
The BC Liberal government is launching a $10-million program to help make schools centres for community activities and services
$4.6-Million Funding Increase Gives Families in Crisis Greater Access to Legal Services
Families in crisis will have greater access to legal services, due to a $4.6 million increase in funding to the Legal Services Society (LSS).
Premier Campbell Announces 215 More RCMP Officers to Fight Crime
The BC Liberal Government will add 215 RCMP officers in B.C. communities this year as part of a crime-fighting strategy that will see an additional $122 million invested in policing, corrections and courts over the next three years.
$12.5-Million in New Funding for Women's Transition Houses
Women and children will have improved access to 24/7 transition house services in B.C. as the result of a $12.5-million, or 33 per cent, increase in provincial government funding for programs and services for women and their children escaping violence.
Persons on Disability Assistance to Receive the Largest Rate Increase in History of B.C.
Effective Dec. 22, each person on disability assistance will start receiving $70 more each month, representing a total funding increase of $55 million.
Communities to Receive 100 percent of Net Traffic Fine Revenues, Proceeds and Legislation to Make Streets Safer
A comprehensive strategy has been announced to enhance community policing, crime prevention and public safety, including the return to communities of 100% of all net traffic fine revenues generated within municipal boundaries.
BC Liberal Government Implements Strategy to Fight Crystal Meth
An integrated B.C. strategy to prevent the use and harmful effects of crystal meth and other amphetamines.
$84-Million Agreement Signed for Affordable Housing
The Government of Canada and the BC Liberal Government are allocating $84 million towards transitional housing and a range of supports to help communities tackle the challenges of homelessness, mental illness and drug addiction.
B.C. - Canada Partnership to Build New Homes for Seniors
Vancouver – The Government of Canada and Province of B.C. are launching a new, $123-million Seniors’ Rental Housing Initiative to build up to 1,000 new housing units for seniors and people with disabilities.



Authorized By Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party.
Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257