Just in time for its 50th birthday celebrations, OECD* has announced the creation of the BLI (Better Life Index), which assesses the quality of life in member countries.
The new index focuses on 11 factors to assess quality of life including housing, income, jobs, community, education, the environment, governance, health, life satisfaction, safety and work-life balance.
Canada scored very well in the first assessment, ranking near the top in terms of quality of life. For the jobs dimension, for instance, almost 72% of 15–64-year-olds have paid employment in Canada, vs. 65% for OECD countries overall. In addition, Canadians work 1,699 hours a year on average, less than in the rest of the OECD (1,739 hours a year). Finally, while 66% of mothers in OECD countries overall work, this proportion is 71% for Canada, suggesting a better work-life balance for women.
As regards education, Canada was well above average, with 87% of 25–64-year-olds having at least a high school diploma, vs. 73% for the OECD overall. Finally, 78% of Canadians said their were happy with their lives, vs. 59% for the 34 member countries overall (59%).
*Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development