According to a new national survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute, Quebec has emerged as the happiest province in Canada. Maple News reports that the majority of respondents in la belle province described themselves as either ‘very happy’ or ‘pretty happy,’ putting Quebec at the top of the rankings across the country.
The survey, carried out online between July 31 and August 2, 2024, polled 1,609 Canadian adults. Participants were asked to evaluate their personal happiness on a scale, with responses categorized into “very happy,” “pretty happy,” and other levels of satisfaction.
Quebec took the lead with a combined happiness score of 75%, of which 16% of residents said they were ‘very happy’ and 59% said they were ‘pretty happy.’ Manitoba followed in second place with 65%, while the Atlantic provinces—grouped together in the survey—came in third at 63%.
British Columbia (61%) and Alberta (60%) landed in the middle of the pack. Meanwhile, Ontario and Saskatchewan tied for the lowest happiness levels, with scores of 55% and 53% respectively. Despite being Canada’s most populous province, Ontario ranked sixth, just ahead of Saskatchewan.
Though the survey focused primarily on regional results, the underlying factors influencing happiness were also examined. Respondents were asked to reflect on their satisfaction with various aspects of life, such as finances, health, relationships, and work-life balance—all of which can significantly shape overall well-being.
While the report doesn’t dive deeply into the reasons behind the provincial differences, analysts often point to cultural, economic, and social dynamics. Quebec, for example, has a unique blend of vibrant culture, accessible healthcare, social programs, and more affordable living costs in comparison to major urban centers like Toronto or Vancouver, which may contribute to higher overall satisfaction.
This snapshot into national mood offers valuable insights for both policymakers and newcomers to Canada, shedding light on where contentment appears to flourish across the country.
Maple News will continue to track public sentiment across provinces as national trends evolve.