The City of Mississauga has just been ranked the happiest among Canada’s 10 biggest cities, despite Ontario ranking low compared to other provinces.
A Leger Happiness Index study published last week revealed the top happiest cities and provinces in the country, ranking Quebec the happiest province in the country and Mississauga the happiest city.
Mississauga was ranked the highest among Canada’s 10 largest cities, with an average of 70.3 in happiness, which is nearly two points above the national average.
In a statement to Now Toronto on Tuesday, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said that the results are encouraging and credited the city’s green spaces, inclusive communities and public events for the achievement.
“It’s wonderful to see Mississauga recognized as the happiest city in Canada! This reflects the quality of life our residents enjoy—from green spaces and strong public services to a resilient economy and inclusive community programs,” she said.
Of Canadian provinces, Quebec is leading in happiness with a 72.4 average, followed by New Brunswick with 70.2 and Newfoundland and Labrador with 69.5.
Meanwhile, Ontario ranked the third least happy province with a 67.2 happiness average, slightly higher than Manitoba with 66.7 and Prince Edward Island with 66.5.
Hamilton and Brampton also made the top of the list, with the first ranking third with a 67.5 average and the latter fifth with 66.7.
In contrast, Toronto took the last position on the list, with an average almost three points under the national average at 65.8.
The study, which polled 39,841 18-plus Canadians, aged 18 and older, found that the country has a relatively high level of happiness, at an average of 68.7 out of 100, with 49 per cent of respondents saying their happiness remained the same from last year, 28 per cent reporting a drop in happiness, and 29 per cent an increase.
According to Leger, these numbers are stagnant and slightly lower than before the pandemic, reflecting that residents have been affected by everyday challenges and uncertainty, but remain resilient.
The results are consistent with the World Happiness Report released earlier this year, in which Canada dropped from 15th to 18th happiest country based on a series of factors.
Read More
The report also revealed that young Canadians are feeling happier this year, reporting significant improvements in well-being.
Although their happiness remains lower than the national average, being 65.8 among 18-to-24-year-olds and 66.3 among 25-to-34-year-olds, they have reported well-being improvements of 39 per cent and 36 per cent respectively.
Meanwhile, middle aged Canadians appear to be feeling more worn out according to the report, reporting stagnation or decline in happiness over the part year. 31 per cent of Canadians aged from 35 to 44 reported being less happy, which is slightly less than the 45 to 54 age bracket with 32 per cent reporting decline.
Older Canadians, aged 55 or older, lead the numbers in terms of happiness with an average of 72.5, with 62 per cent reporting the same levels of happiness as last year, 14 per cent reporting increase and 24 per cent decrease.
