O Happy Canada

As Canadians, we take pride in being nice. We like that the world thinks we are polite and kind. It’s our image and we have come to think of it as a national trait.  I remember our Mexican exchange student telling us how pleased he was that he had the opportunity to come to Canada on his exchange.  The previous year, he had gone to school in the United States. He told us that “Canadians are so much nicer than Americans”.  We have all heard stories of Americans sewing a maple leaf onto their backpacks, so they will receive a better reception in certain countries. Stories such as those warm our hearts and reinforce what we already know – we are just downright nice.

Now there has been an actual study done which places us at the most tolerant in the developed world! (Did we really need a study to tell us that?) The study was done by The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.  This organization gathers information from analysis of social and economic indicators among its 34 member countries.  It regularly gathers and analyzes information which helps citizens and governments understand the successes, demands and challenges of a globalized world.  Each year, it produces outlooks, country surveys and statistics, as well as publications on many different topics relating to growth and development and to social and economic issues.

According to this study, Canadians have the highest community tolerance of minority groups (which include ethnic minorities, migrants and gays and lesbians). The average tolerance level is 61%, while Canada scored 84%. See - we ARE nice!  However, this means than 16% of Canadians are not so tolerant and I think we need to improve on that. 

          The OECD study also found that Canadians have the second highest rate of positive experiences (just behind Iceland). This includes feeling well-rested, being treated with respect, smiling and being happy.  Being well-rested and happy and smiling are indicators of a comfortable life style.  I think that is especially true of people in our own province, where we have a slower pace of living, less population, smaller cities and we take time to enjoy life.  As well, we are quick to share our good fortune with others who have not had the same opportunities and need a helping hand.  This has been proven time and time again with events such as TeleMiracle and local fundraising events.   Hopefully, we are passing those traits on to our children, so that Canada continues to be known as the nation of nice, polite and happy people.

As we celebrate Canada Day, it’s nice to know that there is an actual study which backs up what we have known all along:  Canadians are nice people.

            Happy Canada Day!