What makes residents of Canada happy? Determinants of life satisfaction in Canada

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of happiness in Canada in the years 2006, 2010, and 2016 by relying on the 2006 General Social Survey (GSS) Cycle 20, the 2011 General Social Survey (GSS) Cycle 25 and the 2016 General Social Survey (GSS) Cycle 30. It contributes to the literature by employing ordered probit models consisting of a set of individual characteristics and socioeconomic characteristics. This paper suggests that good health, marriage, participation in religion, and household income have a significantly positive effect on human beings’ happiness. Some other interesting findings are that the relationship between age and happiness behaves like a “U” shape, that females in Canada are happier than males, and residents of Ontario are the least satisfied with life in general compared with residents living in other provinces.