A recent poll conducted by Leger reveals that Quebec inhabitants are the happiest people in Canada, boasting an average happiness rating of 72.4 out of 100, which surpasses the national average of 68.7. The survey engaged nearly 40,000 Canadians and ranked provinces based on their residents’ happiness levels. Following Quebec, New Brunswick came in at 70.2. Conversely, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island were rated the lowest in terms of happiness. Among the ten largest cities in Canada, Mississauga, Ontario, took the lead in happiness ratings, while Toronto was found to be the least happy city. Notably, Montreal came in a close second to Mississauga. The survey indicated that 49% of participants felt their happiness level remained consistent over the past year, 23% reported feeling happier, and 28% stated they felt less happy. Leger’s executive summary emphasized that while happiness persists among the population, there are indicators of fragility in these sentiments.
In examining different age demographics, the survey highlighted that younger Canadians, particularly those aged 18 to 34, were more likely to report enhanced feelings of well-being, despite their overall happiness scores falling below the national average. In contrast, individuals aged 35 to 54 exhibited a greater tendency to acknowledge deteriorating happiness levels. This trend suggests a dichotomy between younger and middle-aged adults, where younger citizens appear to be adapting to challenges with increased resilience while older adults potentially struggle with mid-life pressures. The report notes a burgeoning sense of well-being among younger age groups, which prompts calls for targeted support for adults in their mid-life years facing unique stressors.
Regional analysis of happiness levels reveals that Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador rank above the national average. Following these provinces are Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, and P.E.I. The survey excluded respondents from the territories, potentially limiting a comprehensive understanding of happiness across Canada. Among the ten largest cities, the findings indicate that Mississauga and Montreal outperformed other cities like Hamilton, Calgary, and Toronto. It was also established that women reported slightly higher happiness levels (69.4) compared to men (68.0). Leger asserts that the overall findings reflect a relatively high yet stagnant happiness level, which has seen slight declines compared to the pre-pandemic era.
The comprehensive survey, which took place between March 31 and April 13, sought input from 39,841 Canadians aged 18 and above. As with many online surveys, the results cannot be assigned a statistical margin of error due to the lack of random sampling methods. Nonetheless, the large sample size provides substantial insights into Canadians’ perceptions of happiness across different demographics and regions. Overall, the survey results paint a picture of a country experiencing a mixed landscape of happiness, where some populations thrive while others face more significant challenges.
The divergence in happiness projections between different age groups opens a dialogue about the need for tailored support systems. While young adults report a growing sense of well-being, middle-aged individuals are increasingly vulnerable to the pressures and complexities associated with work and family life. This generational split in perceived happiness poses the question of how society can better address the emotional and psychological needs of these adults. Initiatives aimed at promoting mental health and work-life balance could be crucial to fostering improved happiness levels in this demographic.
In summary, the Leger poll illustrates that Quebec leads Canada in happiness, with noticeable variations across age and regional lines. Younger Canadians demonstrate an emerging sense of resilience and well-being, while older adults seem to struggle with mid-life challenges to their happiness. The survey highlights the need for continued support, particularly for those in the 35-54 age bracket. As Canada continues to navigate post-pandemic realities, the findings serve as a crucial reminder of the complexity of happiness and the significance of addressing mental well-being across various demographics.
