British Columbia’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities have long made it one of Canada’s most desirable places to live. But rising costs, limited job opportunities, and the increasing allure of other provinces like Alberta are causing many young British Columbians to rethink their futures. For the first time in over a decade, more people are leaving B.C. than arriving.
Enter the “Stay with B.C.” campaign, launched today by the Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC). This bold new initiative takes a playful jab at Alberta’s “Alberta is Calling” ads, flipping the script with clever visuals that highlight a critical message: building a stronger economy is key to making life in B.C. more affordable and keeping young talent from leaving.
The Fight to Keep Young Talent
With 67% of those leaving under the age of 40, the stakes are high. B.C. is losing a significant portion of its workforce to provinces like Alberta, which has successfully lured British Columbians with lower living costs and abundant job opportunities. A recent Angus Reid survey revealed that one in three British Columbians is seriously considering leaving, with cost of living cited as the number one concern.
The “Stay with B.C.” campaign directly addresses these issues, combining humor with urgency. From tongue-in-cheek dating profile ads asking, “Thinking of swiping right?” to billboards warning, “Alberta is calling. Will you answer?” the campaign encourages British Columbians to rethink their options and consider the connection between economic growth and affordability.
“Staying is Possible”
“Other provinces are calling, and people are answering,” says Laura Jones, BCBC President and CEO. “But staying in B.C. is possible—if we focus on creating a stronger economy that reduces the pressure to leave. It might feel like leaving is the only solution, but it doesn’t have to be.”
The campaign drives home its message with a dedicated website, StayWithBC.ca, which presents a hopeful vision for the province’s future. Visitors can read a letter to British Columbians outlining the challenges and opportunities ahead, as well as fast facts on provincial migration and the cost of living.
Sparking a Provincial Conversation
The campaign’s reach is extensive, with ads running across Metro Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, and Prince George on billboards, transit, and digital platforms. The BCBC hopes to spark a province-wide conversation about how private sector investment and economic growth can create better jobs, higher salaries, and a more affordable future.
For young British Columbians, the message is clear: leaving isn’t the only option. With collective action and smart economic planning, B.C. can remain a place where future generations choose to stay and thrive.
To learn more, visit StayWithBC.ca and join the conversation. —Vita Daily
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