British Columbia’s record population growth is having broad effects across our economy, including in consumer markets, the labour market and the provision of public sector services.

Statistics Canada estimates that the province’s population reached 5.58 million in October 2023, marking a sizable gain of 177,600 individuals from 12 months earlier. Almost all of the population increase reflects international inflows.

In contrast, B.C. has been experiencing out-migration to other provinces (mainly Alberta), posting net losses for five consecutive quarters. International emigration – B.C. residents moving abroad – has also been inching higher. Even so, the overall population continues to climb at an unusually brisk pace.

The most striking feature of the international migration data is the jaw-dropping surge in the number of non-permanent residents (NPRs). Like Canada as a whole, NPRs have accounted for a majority of international migrants arriving in B.C. since 2020. These primarily consist of “temporary” foreign workers and international students (many of whom also work), along with smaller numbers of asylum seekers and refugees –........

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