If data published by the C.D. Howe Institute is an indication, young people in Canada are in trouble when it comes to happiness.
Canada ranks 15th in the 2024 World Happiness Index — down from 5th in 2015. For people under 30, Canada ranks 58th — one of the worst declines in the world.
"Once the happiest group, they are now the least happy in Canada," said the institute on X.
Economic considerations like housing affordability and the perception that hard work might not lead to success or a "good life" are a significant worry. Social issues and increased polarization may also contribute to lower happiness among the youth.
The World Happiness Report indicates that in Canada, similar to the U.S., the happiness of people over 60 is significantly higher than those under 30, with rankings for older Canadians at 6th place globally, while youth are at 58th.
"Canada is on a bit of a long-term trend of declining overall life expectations," said Chris Barrington-Leigh, an associate professor at McGill University’s department of equity, ethics and policy. "We have a very, very unhappy youth."
The World Happiness Report assesses happiness based on several factors including GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity and perceptions of corruption.
Canada's decline may be linked to issues like rising cost of living and economic challenges, a decrease in perceived social support — possibly exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic and recovery efforts, and changes in how younger generations view their future and opportunities.
The report shows that while Canada still ranks in the top 20 happiest countries, it's behind nations like Costa Rica, Kuwait, and Austria, which have either maintained or improved their positions.
In 2023, 15,343 people in Canada received Medical Assistance in Dying — up from 13,241 in 2022.
In 2022, there were 4,091 suicides in Canada. There were 4,447 in 2023.
