British Columbians who count China as their country of origin have mixed feelings about certain aspects of living in this province, according to the results of an Insights West poll released September 18.
While respondents rated many factors related to quality of life higher in B.C. than in China – including the weather (81%), political freedom (77%) and the health care system (68%) – several respondents said that job opportunities were worse here, as was the cost of living and social life.
“It is not surprising that the key components that make Canada attractive for new Canadians include health and education,” said Insights West president Steve Mossop. “However, I think that most Canadians make the assumption that all is better, when in fact there are several areas where comparisons fall short.”
The poll found that those aged between 35 and 54 are less likely to say employment opportunities are better in China than they are here (34%) than those in the 18-to-34 (45%) and 55-and-over (45%) age groups.
Those living in Canada for 10 years or less are more likely to consider the cost of living better here (40%) than those who have been here 11 years or more (31%).
The survey was conducted by Insights West’s Your Insights multicultural panel, which the organization said is meant to provide a look into the opinions of the South Asian and Chinese populations across Metro Vancouver.
@EmmaHampelBIV
