Eight Canadian Cities Ranked Most Livable for Newcomers
The Globe and Mail has released its third annual ranking of Canada’s most livable cities for newcomers, identifying eight municipalities that combine strong job markets, community support, and quality-of-life factors. The assessment provides a snapshot of how settlement opportunities vary across the country.
The index evaluated cities using indicators such as housing affordability, access to healthcare, economic growth, and community demographics, offering insights into where newcomers are finding sustainable living conditions beyond traditional immigrant destinations.
- Eight cities highlighted for livability and newcomer support
- Ranking based on affordability, healthcare, and employment data
- Updated LMIA processing regions inform work permit accessibility
- Post-Graduation Work Permit–eligible schools outlined per city
- Provincial Nominee Program streams applicable to each location
Overview of the Livability Ranking
The report highlights that while Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver remain top arrival points for immigrants, other cities across Canada are emerging as attractive alternatives. These locations present lower living costs, access to education, and pathways for permanent settlement through federal and provincial programs.
North Vancouver, British Columbia
Situated within the Vancouver metropolitan area, North Vancouver offers proximity to major employment hubs alongside access to outdoor recreation. The community has a diverse population and numerous settlement resources, though housing costs remain high.
Work Permits and Education
Low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications are currently processed in the Vancouver region, where the unemployment rate is listed at 5.9%. North Vancouver includes eight Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)–eligible institutions, such as Capilano University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Provincial Nominee Program
All British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) streams, except the Regional Entrepreneur category, permit settlement in North Vancouver.
Pitt Meadows, British Columbia
Pitt Meadows provides a suburban alternative within the Metro Vancouver region, with family-oriented neighbourhoods and commuting access to the city. The area is covered by the same LMIA processing region as Vancouver, maintaining a 5.9% unemployment rate.
Education and Nominee Pathways
Local PGWP-eligible institutions include Canadian Aviation College and Vancouver Aviation College. BC PNP streams are open to applicants intending to reside in Pitt Meadows.
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada’s capital city ranks highly for its bilingual environment, government-based employment, and developing technology sector. While more affordable than larger metros, housing costs have risen in recent years.
Labour Market and Study Options
Ottawa’s unemployment rate stands at 6.8%, placing it above the LMIA processing threshold for low-wage positions. The city hosts 22 PGWP-eligible institutions, including the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Algonquin College.
Nominee Programs
Applicants under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) may settle in Ottawa, provided they intend to reside in Ontario.
West Vancouver, British Columbia
Located near Vancouver, West Vancouver combines residential living with access to urban employment and coastal recreation. The area is known for high property values and premium amenities.
Work and Study Framework
Low-wage LMIA processing applies, as the Vancouver CMA maintains eligibility below the 6% unemployment threshold. No local PGWP-eligible institutions are based in West Vancouver. All BC PNP pathways, except the Regional Entrepreneur stream, allow settlement in the area.
Regina, Saskatchewan
As Saskatchewan’s capital, Regina has a balanced labour market driven by public-sector and service industries. The city provides a lower cost of living compared with major urban centres.
Employment and Education
Regina’s 6.3% unemployment rate currently restricts low-wage LMIA processing. PGWP-eligible institutions include the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Nominee Program
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program allows selected applicants to settle in Regina if they intend to reside in the province.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg serves as Manitoba’s economic hub and hosts one of the country’s most established newcomer networks. The city offers a lower cost of living and broad employment opportunities across industry sectors.
Labour Market and Education
With an unemployment rate of 5.7%, Winnipeg remains eligible for low-wage LMIA processing. Thirty-two PGWP-eligible institutions operate in the city, including Assiniboine Community College and the University of Winnipeg.
Manitoba Nominee Pathways
Most streams under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program support settlement in Winnipeg. However, regional initiatives under the program prioritize applicants intending to live outside the city.
Cranbrook, British Columbia
Cranbrook functions as a regional hub in southeastern British Columbia, combining small-city living with access to outdoor recreation. The location is not affected by LMIA processing restrictions for low-wage roles.
Education and Nominee Access
The College of the Rockies operates as a PGWP-eligible institution in Cranbrook. All BC PNP employment-based and regional entrepreneurship pathways remain open to residents in the area.
Quispamsis, New Brunswick
Part of the Saint John metropolitan area, Quispamsis is recognized for its family-oriented environment and commuter access to regional employment. The Saint John CMA’s unemployment rate of 5.8% supports LMIA processing for low-wage positions.
Education and Settlement
No PGWP-eligible institutions are located directly in Quispamsis. The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program permits successful nominees to settle anywhere in the province, including Quispamsis.
The Globe and Mail’s ranking underscores the diversity of livable options available to immigrants across Canada, combining economic opportunity with community development across multiple provinces.
For further updates on regional immigration policy and settlement trends, explore related coverage on Canadian immigration programs and nominee pathways.