Canadian Index of Wellbeing

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The Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW) is a comprehensive framework designed to measure the overall wellbeing of Canadians. It provides a holistic view of the quality of life in Canada by considering various domains that contribute to wellbeing beyond traditional economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

History

The CIW was developed in response to the growing recognition that GDP alone does not adequately capture the quality of life experienced by individuals. The initiative began in the early 2000s, spearheaded by researchers and policymakers who sought to create a more inclusive measure of wellbeing. The first full report of the CIW was released in 2011.

Domains

The CIW measures wellbeing across eight interconnected domains:

Community Vitality

This domain assesses the strength and quality of relationships and social support within communities. It includes indicators such as volunteerism, sense of belonging, and social engagement.

Democratic Engagement

This domain evaluates the extent to which Canadians participate in democratic processes and feel represented by their political institutions. Indicators include voter turnout, confidence in public institutions, and political participation.

Education

The education domain measures access to and quality of education, lifelong learning opportunities, and educational attainment. It considers factors such as literacy rates, high school graduation rates, and access to post-secondary education.

Environment

This domain examines the state of the natural environment and its impact on wellbeing. Indicators include air and water quality, biodiversity, and the availability of green spaces.

Healthy Populations

The healthy populations domain focuses on the physical and mental health of Canadians. It includes indicators such as life expectancy, self-reported health status, and access to healthcare services.

Leisure and Culture

This domain assesses the availability and participation in leisure and cultural activities. Indicators include participation in arts and culture, physical activity levels, and access to recreational facilities.

Living Standards

The living standards domain measures economic wellbeing and material conditions. It includes indicators such as income levels, employment rates, and housing affordability.

Time Use

This domain examines how Canadians allocate their time, including work-life balance, time spent with family and friends, and time for leisure activities.

Methodology

The CIW uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative data to assess wellbeing across its domains. Data is collected from various sources, including national surveys, government reports, and academic studies. The CIW is updated periodically to reflect changes in the quality of life in Canada.

Impact

The CIW has been used by policymakers, researchers, and community organizations to inform decision-making and policy development. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to wellbeing and helps identify areas where improvements are needed.

See Also

• Gross Domestic Product
• Quality of life
• Wellbeing
• Social determinants of health
• Sustainable development