Which Are The Happiest Provinces In Canada?
Which are the happiest provinces in Canada? Well, a recent survey by the Angus Reid Institute revealed that Quebec is the happiest province in Canada.
The non-profit conducted an online survey from July 31 to August 2, 2024, among a randomized sample of 1,609 Canadians over 18.
The survey specifically examined Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan and grouped the Atlantic provinces together. These provinces include New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
| Province | Rank | Net Total Happy | Very Happy | Pretty Happy |
| Quebec | 1 | 75% | 16% | 59% |
| Manitoba | 2 | 65% | 3% | 62% |
| Atlantic Province | 3 | 63% | 11% | 52% |
| British Columbia | 4 | 61% | 12% | 49% |
| Alberta | 5 | 60% | 11% | 49% |
| Ontario | 7 | 55% | 10% | 45% |
| Saskatchewan | 7 | 53% | 7% | 46% |
The highest percentages were those residing in Quebec, with 59% stating that they were pretty happy and 16% stating that they were very happy.
This was followed by Manitoba.
The Atlantic Provinces, British Columbia, and Alberta were in the middle of the range.
The provinces that scored the least were Saskatchewan, with just 53% rating themselves as happy, followed by Ontario.
Survey Factors
As we discuss which are the happiest provinces in Canada, we must also know the survey factors.
Well, the survey asked respondents to rate their satisfaction and happiness based on a number of factors like:
- health
- outlook on life
- relationship with family
- community
- housing
- free time
- personal finances
- love life
- stress levels
- support systems
- how others think of them
- and overall quality of life
When it comes to relationships and community, those living in Canada seem to be mostly satisfied.
Factors like relationships with friends (77%), family (85%), support system (80%), community (77%), and how others think of them (85%) ranked high amongst respondents, implying that more people are satisfied with those aspects.
On the other hand, factors that Canadians are least satisfied about revolved around stress levels (56%) and finances (53%).
Changing Perceptions
The study does note that over 36% describe their emotional state as ‘not too happy’ or ‘not happy at all,’ and this group has doubled since 2015.
It lists a number of reasons for this drop in perceived overall quality of life in Canada, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its after effects, inflation, housing prices, and affordability. Increasing polarization was another factor mentioned.
Overall, though, the data reveals that most Canadians are largely happy, with 61% describing themselves as happy and 76% stating they were satisfied with the overall quality of life.
Moving To A Canadian Province
If you are thinking of moving to a specific Canadian province, the Provincial Nominee Program is a valuable pathway.
Nearly every province and territory operates a PNP to help select skilled workers worldwide. Currently, there are over 80 PNP streams for those thinking about moving to Canada through this route.
If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].
