Renowned for its natural beauty and diverse environment, British Columbia offers many advantages for living and working.
Business Incentives
British Columbia provides provincial tax credits, exemptions and deductions to encourage business investment and innovation. Certain incentives target particular industries (film, mining, new media and international financial services). British Columbia’s tax incentives are provided as “entitlements” – they do not have to be negotiated – and are available equally to all eligible businesses for qualifying activities. Federal government incentives are also available that mirror provincial measures in many cases.
Attract and Keep Top Talent
British Columbia is a magnet for skilled and creative people. The province offers a quality of life unmatched anywhere in North America, and by few places in the world.
Quality of Life Advantages
Unique social and natural amenities, combined with high living standards, make British Columbia North America’s most livable region.
Unrivaled Natural Environment
No matter where you choose to live, you’ll be close to unspoiled lakes or the ocean, pristine forests or spectacular mountains – even in our major cities. You can enjoy the ultimate in almost any kind of outdoor recreational activity.
Cultural Diversity
British Columbia's rich ethnic mix creates a lively cultural experience – in the arts, entertainment, cuisine and commercial activity.
Safe and Stable Communities
Social stability and low crime rates create a safe and secure living environment in communities throughout British Columbia.
Education and Health Care
Health and education are priorities in British Columbia. We have Canada’s highest overall education levels and highest life expectancy.
Global Access
British Columbia is Canada's transportation gateway to the Asia Pacific region. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement, businesses located in B.C. qualify for duty-free access to the world's largest and most powerful economy.
Business Climate is Competitive, Flexible, Supportive
British Columbia offers one of North America’s most competitive business climates, with low taxes, streamlined regulations and a supportive, financially responsible government.
Making It Easier to Establish and Conduct Business
Business registrations can be completed in a matter of hours. A company registered in British Columbia can have as few as one director and there is no residency requirement for directors of B.C.-registered companies. Employment standards regulations are responsive to the needs of businesses. For example, employers in the high-tech sector can set work schedules to suit specific business requirements (i.e., other than an eight-hour day or 40-hour week). B.C.’s environmental assessment legislation establishes fixed timelines for project reviews. Permitting and licensing are streamlined for resort developments, mining and other major investments.
A Dynamic and Diverse Labour Market
British Columbia’s large, flexible and well-educated labour pool of over 2.4 million has continuously expanded in line with the needs of fast-growing sectors like trade and high technology. B.C.'s labour force is young and energetic – nearly two out of three workers are under 45 years of age. Over half of B.C.'s workforce is employed in knowledge-based industries or trade-related occupations.