August 5, 2025
RED FM News Desk
A new report from the Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC) reveals that an affordability crisis, particularly the rising cost of living, is the top concern for residents and is prompting many to consider leaving the province. The report, which summarizes the findings of the “Stay With B.C.” campaign, found that people feel angry, fearful, and powerless to control their economic situations. The campaign surveyed over 3,000 British Columbians across 100 communities.
According to the report, the top concerns for residents are:
Housing and Affordability (36%): The soaring cost of living, coupled with a lack of housing supply and high construction costs, has pushed homeownership out of reach for many.
Taxes and Regulations (28%): Rising taxes and excessive bureaucracy are making it difficult for people to run a business, save for retirement, or get ahead financially.
Jobs and Wages (23%) and Public Services (18%): Job creation is low, and salaries are not keeping pace with inflation. Many people feel they are working harder than ever but falling further behind. Additionally, residents are concerned about critical needs not being met, citing long wait times at hospitals and thousands of people without a family doctor.
Braden McMillan, BCBC’s Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs, stated that residents are exhausted by the struggling economy. “Things have not been great in the last six months, they haven’t been great in the last couple of years,” McMillan said. “Actually, in the last two years, on a per capita basis, B.C. has been in a recession.”
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