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Exploring Happiness: Lessons from Finland and Canada

Writer: Calvin Black
Calvin Black
Jul 2
4 min read

Updated: Aug 31

Group of young friends lying in the grass laughing together on a sunny day | Arbour Counselling Centre

One of the happiest times in my life was during a French immersion camp I attended right after graduating high school. Each day, I participated in a few hours of French classes, along with various physical activities and cultural experiences. There was also plenty of social interaction. Like the other students, I aimed to improve my French, but there was no pressure to reach a specific level of competency. Throughout that summer, we shared in learning and playing, building great friendships and wonderful memories.


The Power of Connection


What made that summer so enriching was the connection we felt with one another. We were on the cusp of adulthood, navigating the transition from high school to university. This shared experience fostered a sense of camaraderie as we figured out our next steps together.


Connection and collaboration contribute significantly to our overall well-being. Research shows that people are happiest when they are in good relationships and working together towards meaningful goals. This is precisely what the 2026 World Happiness Report confirmed. It raises important questions about how our communities foster or hinder connection and collaboration.


In 2012, the United Nations began tracking happiness and well-being as meaningful global metrics. They recognized that how people feel about their lives is just as important as economic indicators. The report focuses on key factors that contribute to well-being, such as social support, GDP per capita, freedom to make life choices, and perceptions of corruption. This ongoing research has allowed us to identify the “happiest” countries and observe how their rankings have changed over the past 14 years.


Insights from the World Happiness Report


The Nordic countries consistently rank among the top 10. Finland has held the first position for nine consecutive years. In the chart below, you can see that Finland is at the top of the 2026 report, with Norway and Sweden closely following. Meanwhile, Canada, which once ranked in the top 10, has fallen to 25th place in recent years.



When one researcher was asked what Finland does differently, the answer was straightforward: Finnish people collaborate to solve problems together. This ethos is evident in their education, healthcare, and civic engagement. The Nordic approach fosters collective problem-solving, leading to greater ownership and participation in addressing national concerns.


In contrast, Canada has seen a significant drop from its 5th-place ranking in 2015 to 25th in the 2026 report. This decline reflects widespread dissatisfaction among Canadians regarding issues like the affordable housing crisis, unemployment, and a lack of health professionals. Additionally, there is a growing distrust in political structures.


The Impact of Social Media


One significant factor highlighted in the recent report is the influence of social media on the younger generation of Canadians. This influence has contributed to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness.


So, how should we interpret these findings? How can Finland’s example guide us toward a brighter future?


It appears that cultural conditions fostering isolation and distrust create an environment where depression and anxiety can thrive. When we feel we must manage everything alone, when we lose hope for improvement, and when we perceive our struggles as personal failures rather than responses to external pressures, our ability to experience happiness and well-being is severely compromised.


Diverse group of colleagues collaborating and reviewing data together at a table | Arbour Counselling Centre

Finland's example illustrates that when a society prioritizes the well-being of its citizens and creates opportunities for collaboration, people connect and solve problems together. This, in turn, fosters a better society for everyone, enhancing happiness and well-being.


This perspective shifts our understanding of mental health. It is not solely an individual experience or responsibility. We all play a role, and we can all contribute to creating conditions that reduce anxiety, alleviate depression, and inspire hope. What if we truly understood these conditions and worked equitably to address them?


I experienced this kind of collaboration and connection during my French immersion camp. We gathered from across Canada, sharing a summer of learning and recreation that created a rich experience, leaving me with lasting memories and new relationships. While this "camp experience" isn't representative of real life, it points us toward the necessary conditions for increasing happiness.


...when a society puts the well-being of its citizens first and creates opportunities for them to exercise their talents in collaboration, people connect and solve problems together.

It seems that Finland continues to establish the right conditions for its citizens to work together in meaningful ways, creating opportunities and hope for their future. What would it take for Canada to do the same?


Calvin Black | Arbour Counselling Centre

Calvin Black is an Arbour Therapist who often uses narrative approaches to help his clients distance themselves from the problems they face. He works with individuals, youth, and couples.


Discover More About Calvin.


Conclusion: A Call to Action


As we reflect on the findings of the World Happiness Report, we must consider our role in fostering connection and collaboration within our communities. By prioritizing well-being and supporting one another, we can create a society that not only nurtures happiness but also empowers individuals to thrive.


Let’s take inspiration from Finland’s example and work together to build a brighter future for everyone.


References


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