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Mainland / Southwest

Region overview

More than 60% of BC’s population, approximately 2.7 million people, live in the Lower Mainland / Southwest region. Vancouver is the largest city in the region and in the province. It is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in Canada.

People are attracted to the Mainland Southwest region because of the metropolitan atmosphere, diversity of job opportunities, multiculturalism, educational institutions, warm climate and recreation activities.

Mainland / Southwest

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map of mainland - southwest BC

Industries

The service economy is very important in the Mainland/Southwest region, with approximately 83% of jobs in the service sector.

Major industry sectors include trade and financial services, transportation, education, secondary manufacturing and tourism. The eastern part of this region, the Fraser Valley, has a strong agricultural economy.

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Top 10 Industries Mainland / Southwest

Chart from WorkBC

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Top 10 occupations mainland / southwest

Chart from WorkBC

Sources: WorkBC Regional ProfilesTrade and Invest British Columbia