Maple News reports that Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, has been ranked the most livable city in Canada for newcomers in 2024. The finding comes from a recent annual report by The Globe and Mail, which evaluates cities across several criteria including affordability, employment opportunities, health care access, climate, and community support for immigrants.
This year, British Columbia dominated the newcomer-specific list, with all three top positions awarded to cities in the province. Victoria rose to first place after holding the second spot in 2023. The city’s moderate climate, coastal beauty, and robust public services have made it a magnet for recent immigrants looking to establish roots in Canada.
The ranking specifically focuses on newcomers — defined for the purposes of the study as immigrants who have settled in Canada within the last five years. These individuals often face unique challenges such as finding housing, securing employment, and accessing language services, which the ranking takes into consideration.
Following Victoria in the top three were two other British Columbian cities, though the report did not specify which. Winnipeg, Manitoba secured fourth place, while Saskatoon, Saskatchewan rounded out the top five. These cities were highlighted for their growing job markets, newcomer support networks, and increasing demographic diversity.
Interestingly, few cities from Ontario were ranked in the top 20 for newcomers, despite the province traditionally being a popular landing spot for immigrants. Experts suggest this may be due to Ontario’s rising housing costs and strained public services in urban centers like Toronto.
Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of newcomers each year, and settling in the right city can significantly impact their long-term integration, well-being, and economic success. Cities that invest in multiculturalism, accessibility, and inclusion often see stronger outcomes for immigrant populations.
As more immigrants consider relocation within Canada, these rankings offer valuable insights into which cities provide the best balance of opportunity and quality of life. Maple News will continue to monitor how these urban centers evolve in supporting new Canadians.