Quebec Is the Happiest, Alberta the Most Concerned: Where Canadians Are Most Satisfied With Life

New data from Statistics Canada reveal significant differences in life satisfaction across the provinces. In the second quarter of 2025, 46.1% of Canadians aged 15 and older rated their lives at 8, 9, or 10 out of 10. This was higher than a year earlier, but slightly lower than in the first quarter of 2025, when the figure reached 48.6%.

Quebec ranked first in life satisfaction: 57.3% of residents said they were highly satisfied with their lives. Alberta was at the opposite end of the ranking, with only 38.1% giving such positive ratings — the only province below the 40% mark.

The Atlantic provinces followed Quebec closely: New Brunswick scored 53.4%, Newfoundland and Labrador 51.3%, Prince Edward Island 50.1%, and Nova Scotia 49.1%. Ontario ranked near the bottom, with only 42% of residents rating their life satisfaction at 8 or higher.

The survey also revealed a strong age divide. Older Canadians reported the highest levels of satisfaction: 64% among those aged 75 and older, and 57.8% among people aged 65–74. The lowest scores came from Canadians aged 25–34, where only 32.7% reported high life satisfaction.

Interestingly, rural residents reported being happier than urban residents — 55% versus 44.8%. Differences between men and women were minimal: 45.6% and 46.5% respectively.

Statistics Canada did not identify reasons for the provincial differences. However, Alberta’s low results coincide with growing political frustration. According to a Pollara survey published in April 2026, 27% of decided Alberta voters said they would support separation from Canada — the highest level in more than five years.

In May, the group Stay Free Alberta submitted around 300,000 signatures calling for a referendum, although the process has since been paused pending a court ruling involving Indigenous consultation requirements.