Why Global Businesses Choose B.C.
British Columbia has one of the most competitive business climates in North America and is a leader in shaping the high-skill, competitive, low-carbon economy of the future. B.C.’s West Coast location and infrastructure provide direct connections to all major markets, with the ability to do business with Europe and Asia on the same business day.
B.C.’s true competitive advantage is its people – a highly skilled, diverse workforce and British Columbia’s reputation as one of the most desirable places to live makes it a global magnet for talent. Learn more:
- Business Climate and Economy
- Talent and Workforce
- Location and Global Access
- Innovation Ecosystem
- Rich Natural Resources
- ESG Advantages
- Quality of Life
Discover B.C.’s Economic Advantages
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Leadership
In British Columbia, like-minded individuals, businesses, communities and Indigenous Peoples are partnering to create an economic and investment climate that is environmentally, ethically and economic conscious.
Policies are in place to reflect the values of British Columbian’s – from a climate plan that protects the province’s prized clean air to human rights laws that help to protect all people from discrimination.
We offer:
- The cleanest jurisdiction in western North America, with an average of 98% of electricity generation coming from clean or renewable resources
- A road map to a net-zero future guided by the CleanBC climate plan
- Value-based policies such as the B.C. Human Rights Code and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
Discover who we are.
A Multicultural Magnet for Top Talent Workforce
From some of the world’s top scientists to thousands of computer science and engineering graduates each year, British Columbia provides a highly skilled workforce and strong talent pipeline.
We offer:
- 25 colleges and universities, including the University of British Columbia, which ranks consistently among the top five percent of universities in the world
- Canada’s second-largest concentration of international students
- One of best educated workforces in the world, with about 75% of B.C. employees having a post-secondary education
- Immigration programs like the BC Provincial Nominee Program, Global Skills Strategy and intra-company transferees give B.C. companies access to specialized international workers
Discover how B.C. attracts top talent for companies.
A Flourishing Innovation Ecosystem Hub
North of Silicon Valley and Seattle, British Columbia has a uniquely creative and collaborative tech culture. With more than 12,000 tech companies, B.C. is home to global leaders like Amazon, Microsoft and Samsung, as well as homegrown trailblazers such as AbCellera, Clio, Dapper Labs and Visier.
We offer:
- Strong technology sector growth rates and employment
- Internationally recognized research hospitals, universities and institutions
- Fastest growing life sciences sector in Canada
- Highest concentration of software engineers and second-highest concentration of AI talent in Canada
- Over 80 business incubators, accelerators and mentorship programs
Come join our trailblazers – our inclination for innovation is contagious.
Awe-Inspiring Mountains, Coastline and Lifestyle
British Columbia’s temperate climate, cosmopolitan cities and natural wonders provide a quality of life that draws people from around the world. In fact, Vancouver ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities.
We offer:
- Award-winning universities, including University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU)
- An excellent universal public health-care system
- A diverse arts and cultural scene featuring Indigenous art, museums and live performances
B.C.’s rich culture is powered by its people. It is Canada’s most ethnically diverse province and B.C. is committed to true, lasting and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, fostering inclusiveness, understanding and mutual respect.
See why people are naturally drawn to B.C.
A Vibrant Hub for Business Growth
British Columbia boasts homegrown international brands like Slack, Hootsuite and Lululemon which have embedded innovation and inclusion into their culture. B.C.’s largest city, Vancouver, is one of the fastest-growing low-carbon economies in North America.
We offer:
- Preferential market access through 15 trade agreements with 51 countries
- Aa1 credit rating (Moody’s Investor Services), one of the highest among the Canadian provinces
- Some of the lowest electricity rates in North America
Discover how B.C.’s stable operating environment and forward-thinking mindset accelerates business growth, innovation and prosperity.
Canada’s West Coast Global Gateway
British Columbia’s prime location on North America’s west coast makes it easy and cost effective to do business around the world. B.C. has 30 border crossings to the U.S., and its Pacific time zone enables business with New York, London or Hong Kong all within the same day.
We offer:
- The Port of Vancouver (largest in Canada)
- The Port of Prince Rupert (closest North American west coast port to Asia)
- 36 certified airports, with six international airports including Vancouver’s YVR
- Extensive rail lines and major roads connect B.C. to Canada and U.S. border states
- Some of the highest rate of broadband and overall Internet connectivity in Canada
See how your business can benefit from being in B.C.
Rich Natural Resources Meet Next-Generation Technology
British Columbia’s stunning coastline, lush forests, mountains, rivers and valleys are not only beautiful – they drive the economy. B.C.’s rich natural resources fuel everything from forestry and agriculture to critical minerals and natural gas, while using sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies. B.C. is a leading producer of the minerals and metals needed to transition to a low-carbon future.
We offer:
- Opportunities for 19 of Canada’s 34 critical minerals, which are needed for the global low-carbon transition
- Millions of hectares of forested land, sustainable forest practices and high-quality forestry products
- Agriculture, seafood and food processing industries that produce one of the most diverse selections of products in Canada
Learn more about B.C.’s natural advantages.
Learn more about B.C.
Discover the sector or regional advantages to support your business. Learn more about community engagement and consulting with Indigenous people and First Nations communities in British Columbia.