|
Why BC?Frequently Asked Questions How stable is BC’s tech sector? As an industry, we continue to grow and mature year over year. In 2007, BC tech hit new heights and that trend continues. Employing over 81,000 people, technology is a key part of the BC economy and is a factor in the productivity and competitiveness of all industries in our province. What is BC’s climate and weather like? Climate in British Columbia is considerably milder than in the rest of Canada, and is as varied as its landscape and is influenced by latitude, mountainous topography and the Pacific Ocean. This diversity causes wide variations in average rainfall, snowfall, temperature and hours of sunshine, sometimes over very short distances. In general, temperatures are warmer in the south of the province than in the north, and rainfall is heaviest along the coast and lightest in the southern interior. Click here to learn more about the unique climates across British Columbia. What is the general employment market for my spouse/partner who isn’t in tech? British Columbia has experienced above-average employment growth for six consecutive years – a trend that is forecast to remain well into the future with employment expected to grow in almost all major industries. B.C.’s unemployment rate has declined for five straight years and is at a 43-year low due to robust economic growth and a more mature work force. (Credit Union Central of BC, Economic Analysis of British Columbia, May 2008). In addition, British Columbia created 77,200 jobs between April 2007 and April 2008 – an increase of 3.4 per cent exceeding the national average of 2.1 per cent. (Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, April 2008) What is the cost of living? The cost of living in British Columbia varies between communities. In smaller communities outside of major cities, some prices are lower. However, the price of gasoline and groceries may be higher than in the Vancouver area. The demand for housing may also be higher in smaller communities. Vancouver, which is considered to be British Columbia’s most expensive urban environment, is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top five cities for quality of life. In comparison to other leading North American cities, Vancouver’s cost of living falls below New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Toronto – and the city is not even counted among the world’s 50 most expensive cities. What programs are available to accelerate my move to British Columbia? The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) offers accelerated immigration for qualified skilled workers and experienced entrepreneurs who wish to settle in British Columbia (BC) and become permanent residents of Canada. The program does require you to have a job offer from a BC-based company. Click here for more information. Top Reasons to Work and Live in British Columbia Build your tech career in British Columbia 1. A booming economy and jobs galore. BC’s tech industry has over 10,000 career opportunities for both technical and non-technical professionals 2. Competitive pay: Average weekly earnings in the tech sector are far higher than the overall BC average wage rate. 3. Accelerated growth: The tech industry is not only the fastest growing in BC, but also the most diverse. From information and communications technologies to new media, aerospace and the rapidly emerging clean energy technology sector, BC is home to over 8,500 technology companies employing over 81,000 professionals. 4. Anchors: Over 27 global companies like Electronic Arts, Microsoft, IBM and SAP choose to have offices in Vancouver, British Columbia. 5. New Green Economy: British Columbia is recognized for its environmental leadership and has invested more than $2 billion in climate change initiatives which include building a clean energy and green technology sector that boasts world class technologies in BioEnergy, fuel cells and hydrogen, environmental, alternative energy, green buildings, and more. 6. Experienced Entrepreneurs: BC is a place where the next tech generation is inspired and supported by seasoned professionals - successful entrepreneurs who choose to live and work here over anywhere else in the world. 7. Professional Development: BC offers opportunities for life-long learning through world-class universities and educational institutions. Work and Life Balance in British Columbia 1. Located on Canada’s West Coast and bordered by the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is known for its temperate climate and diverse outdoor activities such as alpine skiing and snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, sailing and golfing. 2. BC is home to other vibrant cities and welcoming communities with booming tech sectors besides Vancouver – Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George – each with their own distinctive characteristics, charm and beauty. 3. Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city with world class fine dining and entertainment, a plethora of cultural and outdoor events to choose from all in a spectacular natural environment. 4. BC is a multicultural province where over 90 languages are spoken and cultural traditions, arts, food and festivals are shared and celebrated year round. 5. The Economist selected Vancouver as the world’s most livable city in a December 2007 survey of 132 cities. 6. BC is a place that embraces diversity of all kinds and takes great pride in our welcoming, clean, safe streets - day or night, all year round. 7. BC is host to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. BC’s multitude of snow-covered slopes provides the venues for winter sport and breathtaking views. |
|
        |
|
 |
|
