Levels of well-being and national wealth have generally increased in Quebec over the past fifteen years, according to a new series of “progress indicators” aimed at going beyond the simple measurement of gross domestic product (GDP) . But there have also been setbacks, particularly in terms of the environment and mental health.
Real GDP per capita in Quebec has grown modestly since 2005 at an average rate of 0.34% per year to reach $45,105 per capita in 2020. This was a stronger increase than in the rest of the Canada (+0.19%), but clearly insufficient to reach the average wealth ($55,557/capita).
This portrait is however very incomplete, argued Monday the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) when presenting and analyzing for the first time about fifteen “Quebec progress indicators” aimed at expanding it. looking at other factors, such as education, health, environment, inequalities and material conditions. “The well-being of future generations is also a concern shared by many people,” we add, referring to the economic, human, natural and social heritage that can be increased or squandered.
Good…
However, out of 7 “indicators of current well-being” and 8 “indicators of national wealth” retained for the moment, a total of 11 indicators show an improvement, only 3 a deterioration and one indicator does not allow a clear conclusion to be drawn.
In terms of current well-being, the ISQ notes, among other things, an improvement in the median after-tax income and a greater reduction in poverty in Québec than in the rest of Canada. The concentration of fine particles in the air, the gap between rich and poor in terms of high school graduation rates and the crime severity index also fell more sharply in Quebec.
In terms of national wealth, Quebec has also increased its investments in its physical, technological and intellectual production capacities, but not at the same rate as the rest of Canada. It also continues to lag behind in terms of government debt and the proportion of its population who say they “trust most people” (45%). Already ahead, however, it is doing even better today in other areas, such as life expectancy, the holding of postsecondary diplomas among 25 to 34 year olds and the presence of women on the political scene.
… but could do better
But not all trends are going in the right direction. In terms of well-being, the proportion of the population aged 12 and over who consider their mental health to be excellent or very good has decreased from 75% to 72% from 2005 and 2019 (compared to a decline from 72% to 66% in the rest of Canada). In terms of natural capital, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per capita decreased little between 2009 and 2019 and the average temperature since 1922 is constantly increasing.
“To reduce the effects of climate change and maintain the state of capital for future generations, it is essential to reduce GHG emissions,” explains the ISQ report. Failing to do so hinders progress. »
Inspired by similar approaches around the world, including in several major international economic institutions, the 15 progress indicators selected by the ISQ were selected “following a rigorous process”. “The approach is intended to be flexible and scalable”, he specifies before inviting the public to give their opinion to help him further improve his approach.