to me self-motivation is the greatest strength one can have, follow your heart and do what you desire and you should reach places no one else can.
on the debate of UVic vs UBC...have you visited UBC and talk to some of the profs at UBC? Don't let your bias blind you and rush decisions based on imagination. I would suggest you join a campus tour and maybe visit the Econ department at UBC and talk to their grad program director.