In a surprising twist, Mississauga has been crowned Canada’s happiest large city, even though Ontario ranks among the least happy provinces overall, according to a recent Leger Happiness Index report.
The nationwide study, which surveyed nearly 40,000 Canadians aged 18 and over, ranked Mississauga first among Canada’s 10 largest cities with an average happiness score of 70.3, nearly two points above the national average of 68.7.
📊 Top Cities Ranked by Happiness
Here’s how Canada’s major cities stacked up:
- 1st – Mississauga (70.3)
- 3rd – Hamilton (67.5)
- 5th – Brampton (66.7)
- Last – Toronto (65.8)
While Mississauga, Hamilton, and Brampton all landed in the top five, Toronto was ranked the least happy among the country’s biggest cities- coming in nearly three points below the national average.
🌍 How Do the Provinces Compare?
In terms of provinces, Quebec leads the nation with an average score of 72.4, followed by New Brunswick (70.2) and Newfoundland and Labrador (69.5).
Meanwhile, Ontario scored 67.2, ranking third lowest, just above Manitoba (66.7) and Prince Edward Island (66.5).
Despite Ontario’s overall lower ranking, Mississauga’s strong showing highlights the differences in quality of life and happiness that can exist even within a single province.
What’s Driving (or Draining) Happiness in Canada?
According to Leger, while average happiness remains relatively high across Canada, levels have stagnated slightly since the pandemic, reflecting ongoing economic and social pressures.
Key findings include:
- 49% of Canadians say their happiness stayed the same as last year
- 28% reported a decrease
- 29% said their happiness increased
Interestingly, younger Canadians reported the biggest jump in well-being compared to last year. Those aged 18 to 24 scored an average of 65.8, while the 25 to 34 group came in at 66.3, with many reporting they felt happier than they did in 2023.
Meanwhile, middle-aged Canadians, particularly those aged 35 to 54, were more likely to report declines in happiness. The happiest group overall? Canadians aged 55 and older, with an average score of 72.5.
These trends echo those found in the World Happiness Report, which saw Canada slip from 15th to 18th globally, citing rising cost-of-living pressures and a shift in life satisfaction across age groups.
Conclusion
Mississauga’s top ranking reminds us that happiness is influenced by more than just geography- it’s shaped by community, green spaces, access to services, and a sense of belonging. While broader provincial trends may show challenges, cities like Mississauga are proving it’s possible to build joy from the ground up.
📚 Sources / References:
- Leger Happiness Index 2024: leger360.com
- Now Toronto interview with Mayor Carolyn Parrish: nowtoronto.com
- World Happiness Report 2024: worldhappiness.report
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