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The Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW) launched its 3rd national report: How are Canadians really doing? The report compared eight domains of wellbeing from 1994 to 2014 and found a massive gap between GDP and our wellbeing. 

Report findings include: 

  • Living standards rose 23% from 1994 until the 2008 recession, then plummeted almost 11%. More Canadians experience food and housing insecurity and employment is more precarious. 
  • Leisure and Culture is down more than 9%. In 2014, household spending on culture and recreation was at its lowest point since 1994. Canadians are spending less time away on vacation and participating or volunteering in leisure and cultural activities.
  • The environment domain declined by 2.9%.
  • Time crunch remains an ongoing challenge. We are spending almost 30% less time with our friends. Commute times are longer and only 35% of us are getting enough sleep.
  • Life expectancy is up and ratings for mental health are slightly better, but Canadians’ overall health ratings are worse.
  • Education is the only domain to keep pace with GDP. Nine out of 10 students now complete high school; but tuition fees and access to regulated child-care spaces remain important challenges.
  • Community Vitality is strong but volunteering fell by 15% after the recession.
  • Although voter turnout increased recently, barely one-third of Canadians in 2014 expressed a high degree of confidence in Parliament – down 14 per cent since 2003.

Read the full report below or go to the CIW website for sections of the report.