O Happy Canada

As Canadians, we have always taken 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 our birth right. Well, now there has been an actual study which places us at the most tolerant in the developed world! (Like we needed a study to tell us that!). The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development issued their latest edition of “Society at a Glance”. This publication contains the information gathered from analysis of social and economic indicators among the 34 member countries. 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! The OECD study also found that Canadians have the second highest rate of positive experiences behind Iceland. This includes feeling well-rested, being treated with respect, smiling and being happy. Canadians have always known we are nice – now we have a study to back it up! Being a nice, polite and happy Canadian . . . it’s a good thing!