Can we say that our lives have truly improved alongside economic growth?
Until recently, Canada lacked a comprehensive answer to this question. While Gross Domestic Product (GDP) provides crucial insights into economic performance, it only captures one dimension of our wellbeing. The Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW) fills this gap by offering a more holistic view, focusing on what truly matters to Canadians in their everyday lives.
A Measure Reflecting Canadians’ Real Priorities
Through nationwide public consultations, Canadians have spoken clearly: wellbeing frames their aspirations for a better future. The CIW measures wellbeing across eight key domains, including education, health, community, and the environment, to capture interconnected aspects of life that shape real experiences for people.
The CIW’s approach highlights the interdependence of life’s various domains, providing evidence-based, community-focused insights to guide better decisions.
Why the CIW Matters
The CIW regularly evaluates the quality of life for Canadians by:
- Providing insights at the national, provincial, and local levels, ensuring a comprehensive view.
- Championing social change, grounded in Canadian values and emphasizing wellbeing at the heart of policymaking.
Looking Ahead: Canadians in 2025
With close to 30 years of trend data, including key findings from the Covid era, the CIW helps imagine how wellbeing might evolve in Canada’s future. This wealth of information equips policymakers to make more informed and meaningful decisions that resonate with everyday Canadians’ priorities.
The next edition of the report, “How are Canadians Really Doing?”, will be released in 2025, providing vital insights and provoking reflection on future priorities.
About the Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW)
The CIW offers a systemic and collaborative framework to tackle complex societal issues. Its goal is to transform Canadians’ aspirations into actionable and measurable priorities.
Watch CIW Director Dr. Bryan Smale explain the importance of going beyond GDP to measure and track wellbeing. You’ll also hear from community partners, like Nancy Mattes and Danny Graham, on how the CIW is fostering positive change in their communities through collaboration.
