British Columbia: British Columbia continues to draw the largest share of new immigrants to Canada, even as concerns grow over criminal extortion networks operating in parts of the province. Recent livability rankings suggest that for many newcomers, quality of life, employment prospects and community support outweigh anxieties around safety.
A recent analysis highlighted by the Asian Pacific Post shows British Columbia dominating the Globe and Mail’s Most Livable Cities for Newcomers Index 2026. The province claimed 12 of the top 20 positions, reinforcing its status as a top destination for immigrants who have arrived in Canada within the past five years.
The index evaluated 454 cities with populations exceeding 10,000, measuring them across 58 indicators grouped into 10 broad categories. These included access to jobs, cost of housing, education standards, healthcare availability, public transport, safety, and how easily newcomers can integrate into local communities. The newcomer-focused ranking is part of the Globe and Mail’s larger national livability assessment.
Cities that stand out
North Vancouver emerged as the top-ranked city, praised for offering proximity to Vancouver’s employment hub while maintaining a quieter, family-oriented environment. Its efficient transit links, strong schools, and access to nature — from mountain trails to waterfront spaces — make it especially appealing to immigrant families.
Pitt Meadows followed closely, attracting newcomers with its suburban feel, relatively lower housing prices and easy access to Metro Vancouver’s job market. While many residents commute, the city’s green spaces and community atmosphere remain a strong draw.
Ottawa secured third place, standing out as the highest-ranked city outside British Columbia. With a stable economy anchored by government, technology and education, the capital scored well on safety, culture and family-friendly neighbourhoods, while remaining more affordable than Canada’s largest metros.
West Vancouver ranked fourth, appealing primarily to affluent newcomers. Despite high property prices, its reputation for safety, premium schools and a scenic coastal lifestyle continues to attract international families seeking long-term stability.
Rounding out the top five was Regina, where low housing costs, manageable commute times and steady employment in government and resource sectors have helped build a growing and confident immigrant population.
Beyond these, several other British Columbia cities featured prominently, including Cranbrook, Parksville, Victoria, New Westminster, Fort St. John, Vancouver, Oak Bay, White Rock, Terrace and Kamloops. A handful of cities from other provinces — such as Winnipeg, Québec City, Oakville, Quispamsis and Whitehorse — also made the top 20.
Safety worries and a contrasting reality
The strong performance of British Columbia comes at a time when law enforcement agencies are grappling with a rise in extortion cases, particularly in Surrey, Abbotsford and parts of Vancouver. Authorities say some threats have been linked to Punjab-based criminal groups, with victims allegedly targeted through social media calls originating from India. In 2025 alone, the RCMP recorded more than 100 cases involving extortion threats and intimidation.
Despite this backdrop, immigration experts note that most newcomers base their decisions on broader, long-term factors. British Columbia’s temperate climate, scenic landscapes, diverse job market and well-established immigrant communities continue to outweigh fears for many families. Strong social networks, cultural familiarity and economic opportunity remain decisive factors in choosing where to settle.
For thousands of new Canadians each year, British Columbia still represents a balance of opportunity and lifestyle that few other provinces can match — even as authorities work to address the security challenges that threaten to undermine that reputation.
