Well-known skater artist Lee Matasi known as “Leeside” was killed as a result of gun violence, the 68th case in Vancouver for 2005. 2005 was dubbed the ‘year of the gun’ with gun related murders in Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver being at all-time high.

Over 10,500 (now 15,000) runaways are reported in BC annually 500-1000 youth on the streets on any given night through out the year (Courtesy of Covenant House)

Immigration has been a major source of population growth in the region and has greatly enriched the West’s cultural tapestry. An aging society and looming labour shortages are making immigration an even more important source of population growth in the region.

Agriculture remains a key component of life in western Canada, but its role in the region has been on the wane with fewer people making a living as farmers.

Most westerners live in urban areas. Addressing the challenges associated with urban life and, at the same time, recognizing the continued importance of the rural West and the region’s rich endowment of natural capital are major public policy challenges.

The Number of Households that spend more than 50% of their income on affordable housing is on the rise. The majority of these households consist of families with children, senior citizens and Aboriginal peoples.

Statistics courtesy of: Canada West Foundation, CBC News, Covenant House, Western Economic Diversification.