A recent survey by the Angus Reid Institute has 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 looked at Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and grouped the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island) together.
| Province | Rank | Net total happy | "Very happy" | "Pretty happy" |
| Quebec | 1 | 75% | 16% | 59% |
| Manitoba | 2 | 65% | 3% | 62% |
| Atlantic Provinces | 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% |
Those living in Quebec were highest with 59% saying they were “pretty happy” and 16% saying they were “very happy.”
This was followed by Manitoba (62%).
The Atlantic provinces (63%), British Columbia (61%), and Alberta (60%) 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 (55%).
Survey factors
The survey asked respondents to rate their satisfaction and happiness based on a number of factors such as:
- 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 such as relationships with friends (77%), family (85%), support system (80%), community (77%) and how others think of them (85%), ranked high amongst respondents, meaning more people are more 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 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 aftereffects, as well as 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’re thinking about 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 around the world. There are currently over 80 PNP streams for those thinking about moving to Canada through this route.