The expansion of lululemon’s global headquarters in its hometown of Vancouver promises to significantly boost British Columbia’s prosperity. lululemon has committed to grow in Vancouver over the next five years and invest in creating over 2,600 local jobs, which has already begun to stimulate British Columbia’s workforce and economy.

“lululemon is a great Canadian success story. As a brand that embodies innovation, quality, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, lululemon has become an iconic symbol of Canadian artisanship and entrepreneurial spirit. As they retain their global headquarters in Vancouver and continue to expand, our government will continue to pursue an immigration policy that ensures employers like lululemon can attract the talent they need to drive economic growth here in Canada. Let us recognize the importance of supporting our businesses through means of immigration and investing in our nation’s talent, as it is through this synergy that we pave the way for a prosperous future for all.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“Canada’s ability to attract global talent is a key driver of innovation and a clear competitive advantage. Internationally recognized Canadian companies like lululemon are one of the reasons our country is a magnet for top global talent. Ensuring that leading Canadian companies have access to the high-skilled workers they need will help strengthen Canada’s economy today, tomorrow and for generations to come.”

– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“We support lululemon in expanding their footprint across Vancouver and further diversifying their workforce. Their investment will bring economic benefits and well-paying job opportunities to British Columbians, including the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals from around the globe.”

– The Honourable Anne Kang, British Columbia Minister of Municipal Affairs

“We applaud lululemon’s decision to significantly expand their global headquarters in Vancouver. lululemon’s continued success serves as a testament to Vancouver’s status as a global hub for creativity and innovation. This announcement marks an exciting step forward for our city’s economic future, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact for years to come.”

– Ken Sim, Mayor of Vancouver

“Our people are at the heart of our organization. This program provides us with the opportunity to bring global talent to our hometown of Vancouver, supporting our people to collaborate and innovate together as they build long and meaningful careers at lululemon. As a proudly Canadian brand, we are fortunate to be in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, who were able to move this forward for us.”

– Calvin McDonald, CEO, lululemon

• In 2022, lululemon employed nearly 9,000 people in Canada.

• Through the Canada-British Columbia Immigration Agreement, British Columbia can identify significant investment projects to be considered for a special exemption from the labour market impact assessment (LMIA) process. Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada then assess the project to determine if it meets the criteria.

• To qualify under the agreement, a project must

  • represent a major investment in the economy
  • involve a highly mobile global talent pool in high-wage occupations, creating a situation that is not well-suited to the LMIA process
  • result in knowledge transfer to local workers and a reduction in the number of foreign workers needed over time

• The LMIA exemption for lululemon’s significant investment project was implemented on February 28, 2023, and expires on April 1, 2026. lululemon will submit a report on the performance of the agreement to the governments of Canada and British Columbia annually, and a formal evaluation will take place at least one year prior to the expiry of the proposal.

• The special exemption from the LMIA process doesn’t apply to workers for the construction phase.

Associated links

• Web notice: lululemon’s growth in British Columbia recognized as significant investment project
• Canada-British Columbia Immigration Agreement
• Annex B: Foreign Workers

Contacts for media only:

Bahoz Dara Aziz
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
bahoz.daraaziz@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca

Laurie Bouchard
Director, Communications
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
laurie.bouchard@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
Ministry of Municipal Affairs, British Columbia
250-514-0510

Erin Hankinson
lululemon athletica inc.
604-732-6124