MONTREAL – A recent poll conducted by Leger indicates that Quebec residents are the happiest in Canada. The web survey, which included nearly 40,000 Canadians, revealed that Quebecers rated their happiness at an impressive average of 72.4 out of 100, significantly higher than the national average of 68.7.
Following Quebec, New Brunswick achieved an average happiness score of 70.2. In contrast, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island reported the lowest levels of happiness among the provinces. Among the ten largest cities in Canada, Mississauga, Ontario, garnered the highest happiness rating, while Toronto received the lowest score. Montreal ranked second among these major urban centers.
The survey also uncovered that 49 percent of respondents indicated that their happiness levels remained constant over the past year. Meanwhile, 23 percent reported feeling happier, and 28 percent noted a decline in their happiness. The executive summary from Leger stated, “These results reveal a population that is both resilient and tested, affected by everyday uncertainty and challenges. Happiness, while holding its ground overall, shows signs of fragility.”
Additionally, the survey highlighted a distinct trend among different age groups. Individuals aged 18 to 24 and those in the 24 to 34 age range were more likely to report an improvement in their well-being, despite having an overall happiness score that remained below the national average. Conversely, respondents in the 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 age brackets were more inclined to express a decline in their happiness levels. The summary remarked, “There is a sense of well-being emerging among younger age groups. However, this also highlights the importance of supporting adults in mid-life, who are more vulnerable to the pressures of working life.”
Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador were identified as the three provinces with happiness levels surpassing the national average. They were followed by Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island. It's noteworthy that the survey did not include the territories in its findings.
When focusing on the happiness ratings of the ten largest cities, Mississauga and Montreal topped the list, followed in descending order by Hamilton, Calgary, Brampton, Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Toronto. A gender-based analysis indicated that women reported slightly higher happiness levels than men, scoring 69.4 compared to 68.0.
Leger concluded that the overall survey results indicate “a level of happiness that is relatively high but stagnant or even slightly down compared to the pre-pandemic period.” To gather its findings, Leger surveyed 39,841 Canadians aged 18 and over between March 31 and April 13. It is important to note that online surveys do not allow for the assignment of a margin of error as they do not randomly sample the population.
