Author: Dr. Loleen Berdahl
When asked if they plan to move in the near future, the vast majority of western Canadians report that they are not going anywhere: 9 in 10 expect to be living in the same province in five years’ time, and half of all western Canadians are not even willing to consider moving to another province for a better job. Western Canadians are even more resistant to the idea of moving to the United States (over 7 in 10 are unwilling to consider this) or to a country other than Canada or the US (almost 6 in 10 are unwilling to consider this idea). Young adults are more likely to say that they would consider moving both within Canada and to other countries.
Mobility expectations have changed over time, as has willingness to move. While in 2003, large numbers of Saskatchewan and Manitoba young adults expected to move out of province, this dropped significantly by 2008. Looking at the population as a whole, western Canadians are less willing now to consider moving to another province or to the United States for a better job than they were in 2001. This increased desire to “stay home” may reflect the positive current perceptions of the economy. (For more information on economic perceptions, please see A Confident Time: Current Economic Perceptions of Western Canadians ).
The results show that western Canadians are strongly supportive of increased funding to university and other post-secondary students, and view post-secondary funding as a priority. At the same time, less than half of all western Canadians feel that high school students are learning the skills necessary for workforce success.
The survey also finds that the majority of western Canadians believe that unions are necessary to protect workers’ interests. BC residents are the most likely to hold this view.