Canada is frequently listed among the happiest countries in the world, but this image belies the experience of many young Canadians. Recent data has revealed that Canadian teens and young adults have lower levels of happiness and life satisfaction compared to other age groups. This is a major change from previous years when young people reported happiness levels that were at or above the national average.
The national picture also masks substantial variation within Canada. Quebec is the province that really stands out. Young Quebecers have been shown to have higher life satisfaction than youth in other provinces. Quebec’s profile, in light of the national decline in youth well-being, offers insight into some of the factors that are burdening young Canadians and what might alleviate this pressure.
Youth happiness trails older age groups
Surveys in Canada and around the world have long noted a “generation gap” in life evaluation. In the World Happiness Report, Canadians under age 30 have recently reported lower life satisfaction than those over age 60. On the report’s 0–10 rating scale, younger adults have scored around 6.4. By comparison, older Canadians have rated their lives at an average around 7.5.
The change is striking partly because it departs from what social scientists have historically observed. For decades, age and happiness have followed a well-known “U-shape” with people feeling better in youth and older age, and worse in midlife. Several recent World Happiness Reports have noted that the strength of the U-shape has diminished across a number of rich countries, including Canada.
Evidence from Statistics Canada’s Social Survey on Well-Being paints a similar picture. Younger adults are less likely than older Canadians to report that their overall well-being is high. And this has not been a one-time occurrence; multiple survey waves show consistent high well-being rating gaps.
Economic pressure shapes youth outlook
It’s likely that economic factors play a big role in young Canadians’ life evaluations. According to Statistics Canada, young people experience higher unemployment and underemployment than other age groups. This is particularly true during periods of economic contraction. But it’s also true that young people who are employed are more likely to be in temporary or low-wage jobs, which can make the future feel more precarious.
Housing insecurity also likely plays a role. Young adults are more likely to be renters than older Canadians. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, renters are also three times more likely to report financial stress than homeowners.
High rents and housing prices have also made it harder for young people to reach certain life milestones, like living on their own, building up savings or starting a family. Instead of feeling “behind” on these milestones, many may feel like they’re not making any progress at all.
UNICEF Canada has found a strong relationship between financial security and life satisfaction in youth. The feeling of uncertainty around one’s financial future can be a drag on happiness.
Mental health strain is more common among youth
Mental health trends can also help account for why Canadians have seen such a dramatic decline in happiness. A study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that adolescents and young adults report significantly higher rates of psychological distress than older cohorts. Anxiety, constant stress, and emotional burnout, in particular, are all more prevalent among youth, even during periods of relative stability.
Statistics Canada tells a similar story. It’s a lot more likely that younger Canadians will say their mental health is fair or poor despite being less likely to have regular access to treatment. Service barriers, including long wait times, availability, and even cost, all persist, leaving those who need help without in many cases.
The problem is, mental strain and financial pressure often go hand in hand. Financial concerns along with housing and future uncertainties combine to intensify anxiety levels and burnout while making it tougher for young people to achieve a sense of stability and satisfaction.
Weaker social connections affect well-being
Sense of belonging can significantly influence people’s happiness. Research by Statistics Canada revealed that Canadians who feel more socially connected report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Social connectedness is also strongly related to better health outcomes.
As reported by Statistics Canada, younger Canadians score lower in social connectedness than older adults. Despite new ways to connect, digital tools and social media have not fully remedied the situation, and online connections do not necessarily substitute for offline support.
Social isolation can compound financial stress and mental health challenges, making them more difficult to cope with and decreasing overall life satisfaction.
Quebec has the happiest youth
Quebec is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to national trends. The Leger Happiness Index has long pegged Quebec as the happiest province, with a score hovering around 72 out of 100, while the Canadian average has usually been closer to 69.
Quebec’s young adults are also happier than their counterparts in other provinces, and their happiness scores have also increased more sharply in recent years.
Numbers from Statistics Canada’s surveys back this up: According to research findings more young individuals in Quebec have high self-reported well-being than those living in other Canadian provinces.
What may be supporting youth well-being in Quebec
Quebec’s comparatively high youth well-being scores aren’t likely due to chance. Some day-to-day factors make life there simply feel a bit easier. Costs are one of them. Tuition is cheaper and family and childcare support are more readily available. That makes early adulthood less stressful when money is tight and your life plan feels shaky.
Sense of belonging is another. A large proportion of Quebec’s population feel closely connected to their community, language and culture. Roots in place give you stability, when other areas of life lack that.
Work and life balance is also a possible factor. Quebecers visibly prioritize time outside of work and quality of life overall. It won’t change every problem, but it can help day-to-day life feel less hectic and exhausting. It might especially help young adults who are starting out.
What the evidence suggests
Looking at the Statistics Canada and UNICEF Canada reports side by side, it’s easy to see the truth in the comparison made by CAMH and World Happiness Report.
It’s not the result of a personal deficit or a lack of the right attitude. The lower happiness among young Canadians appears to have more to do with external pressures such as money and mental health challenges as well as perceived social disconnection. These are recurring themes across reports.
Quebec in particular demonstrates that this gap can be narrowed. In the regions where the cost of living is low and social supports are high, young Canadians report higher life satisfaction.
The message is straightforward: The happiness of young people will likely ebb and flow with their real-life experiences. Policies and structures that influence these experiences have the potential to create change.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.