The Big Story Weekend listen: Why aren't Canadians as happy as they used to be?
Jul 19, 2025
In this conversation with Felix Cheung, a Canada Research Chair in Population and Wellbeing, the discussion centers on Canada's surprising drop in happiness rankings from 5th to 18th place. Cheung explores the impact of economic factors, social connections, and youth mental health on well-being. He emphasizes the importance of community support and acts of kindness in shaping perceptions of happiness. Listeners gain insights into how Canadians can navigate these challenges to improve their outlook and possibly reclaim their place among the happiest nations.
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Measuring Canada's Happiness
- Canada ranks its happiness with one question about life satisfaction from zero to 10.
- Six variables explain differences like GDP per capita and social support levels.
Canada's Worrying Happiness Decline
- Canada is still relatively happy at rank 18 of 147 but has been declining since the late 2000s.
- This decline is not due to COVID but points to broader systemic issues affecting happiness.
Happiness Gaps in Canada
- Happiness decline is concentrated among youth under 30, lower income groups, First Nations, and sexual minorities.
- Poor mental health strongly correlates with lower happiness in these groups.