Focus Areas

This article attempts to delineate a Shared Vision for Canadian Wellbeing. The vision is shared by all levels of government, academia, civil society organizations, and all Canadians.

The vision identifies the ideal future state for individual, household, community, business, city/town, region, province and national wellbeing.

This post describes the need for the development of a Canadian Wellbeing Strategy aligned to the Shared Vision for Canadian Wellbeing. The post also describes how the Wellbeing Strategy can be used to guide a collective whole of system approach to improving Canadian Wellbeing.

To move forward on the shared Vision for Canadian Wellbeing government and non-government organizations need to create new or adapt existing policies. Policy change is one of the required initial steps to creating new or refining existing programs and services that contribute to wellbeing.

Public policies play a crucial role in promoting flourishing and improved wellbeing. Here’s a set of example policy recommendations for national governments and global governance organizations:

1. Mental Health and Well-being Programs: Implement and fund comprehensive mental health services accessible to all citizens, including counseling, therapy, and well-being workshops focusing on building resilience, self-esteem, and coping strategies.
2. Education Reform: Integrate positive psychology and well-being education into school curricula, emphasizing emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking. Encourage lifelong learning programs for all ages.
3. Workplace Well-being Initiatives: Promote policies that ensure work-life balance, such as flexible working hours and mental health days. Encourage workplaces to create environments that foster employee engagement, recognition, and personal development.
4. Community Building and Social Support: Invest in community centers and programs that facilitate social connections, cultural activities, and civic engagement. Strengthen social support networks for vulnerable populations.
5. Environmental Protection and Sustainability: Enact and enforce policies that protect natural environments and promote sustainable living, encouraging a connection with nature and environmental harmony.
6. Economic Policies for Basic Needs: Implement policies that ensure the basic needs of all citizens are met, including affordable housing, healthcare, and a living wage. This provides a foundation for individuals to pursue higher-level flourishing characteristics.
7. Digital Well-being and Media Literacy: Promote digital literacy and responsible media consumption to combat misinformation and encourage healthy digital habits, supporting mental health and informed engagement.
8. Global Collaboration on Well-being Research and Practices: Foster international cooperation in research on well-being and the implementation of best practices. Share knowledge and resources across borders to address global challenges to flourishing.
9. Public Health Campaigns: Run public health campaigns that promote physical activity, healthy eating, and preventive healthcare, contributing to vitality and overall well-being.
10. Innovation and Creativity Support: Support the arts, innovation, and creative industries through funding, tax incentives, and educational programs to foster a culture of creativity and exploration.

By implementing these policies, governments and global organizations can create environments that nurture the flourishing of individuals and communities, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable development and global well-being.

Moving forward on a shared Vision for Canadian Wellbeing requires a clear delineation of desired outcomes and impacts for Canadian Wellbeing. The Wellbeing Outcome / Impact Model provides that.

To understand current state and to measure progress in moving forward with the Shared Vision for Canadian Wellbeing requires a well-defined, tested and ongoing measurement, analysis and reporting capability.

Wellbeing Canada needs to identify, detail and adopt a science based and rigorous Wellbeing Reporting capability.