The Government of Yukon has released the final report by the Canadian Index of Wellbeing that highlights the quality of life in the Yukon following a major survey completed in summer 2020.
The survey was the largest of its kind in the territory, receiving close to 5,000 responses, and provided Yukoners with an opportunity to share feedback about community vitality, democratic engagement, education, the environment, health, leisure, living standards and time use.
The majority of Yukoners said they are satisfied or very satisfied with their lives overall, but mental health concerns are increasing as a direct result of the pandemic.
The final report is available on Yukon.ca and includes what factors are most associated with Yukoners’ wellbeing. The data will support service evaluation and help tailor programs to reduce socio-economic gaps for the benefit of all Yukoners.
The valuable information collected in the final report by the Canadian Index of Wellbeing will help improve services and inform decision making based on what matters most to Yukoners. Thank you to Yukon First Nations, community partners and all Yukoners who provided feedback and let us know how they are doing during these challenging times. The Yukon government will continue to make transformative investments in support programs that respond to the mental health needs of Yukoners.
Premier of the Yukon Sandy Silver
Our research has shown that Yukoners are more physically active, more connected to their communities and more satisfied with their environment than anywhere else in Canada, despite the challenges of intensified housing insecurity and declining mental health and social isolation due to the pandemic. It has been our privilege to work with the Yukon as wellbeing is increasingly placed at the heart of policy development to ensure access to opportunities in all aspects of people’s lives so everyone can thrive.
Professor Bryan Smale, Ph.D. University of Waterloo Faculty of Health
The Canadian Index of Wellbeing is an organization within the Faculty of Health at the University of Waterloo.
In spite of the pandemic, 75 per cent of Yukoners are satisfied or very satisfied with their lives overall.
The survey and report can be used by governments and community organizations to inform evidence-based planning to improve the quality of life for residents.
The Government of Yukon aims to conduct a follow up survey in approximately three years.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Oshea Jephson
Communications, Executive Council Office
867-332-3135
oshea.jephson@yukon.ca