Canada continues to solidify its reputation as a global leader in liveability. The 2023 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Liveability Index places three Canadian cities—Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto—among the top 10, making Canada the only country with such a strong showing. This achievement underscores Canada’s consistent performance in key metrics such as health care, stability, infrastructure, and cultural richness.
Understanding the EIU Liveability Index
The EIU Liveability Index evaluates 173 cities worldwide, assessing over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five major categories:
- Stability: Political stability, crime rates, and civil unrest.
- Healthcare: Accessibility and quality of public and private health services.
- Culture and Environment: Availability of cultural events, green spaces, and climate conditions.
- Education: Quality and availability of education for all age groups.
- Infrastructure: Public transport, roads, utilities, and housing quality.
Top 10 Liveable Cities of 2023
- Vienna, Austria
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Melbourne, Australia
- Sydney, Australia
- Vancouver, Canada
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Calgary, Canada (tied)
- Geneva, Switzerland (tied)
- Toronto, Canada
- Osaka, Japan (tied)
- Auckland, New Zealand (tied)
Canada’s Performance: A Closer Look
Vancouver: Excellence in Culture and Environment
Ranked #5, Vancouver stands out for its emphasis on environmental sustainability and cultural vibrancy. The city’s extensive network of green spaces, diverse cultural events, and high-quality healthcare infrastructure make it a global beacon of liveability.
Calgary: A Model of Resilience
Although Calgary slipped from #3 to #7, its strong healthcare, education, and infrastructure metrics remain impressive. The slight dip is attributed to the global return to normalcy post-COVID, which brought other cities back to pre-pandemic standings.
Toronto: A Hub of Diversity and Stability
Toronto secures the #9 spot, excelling in stability, education, and cultural diversity. As Canada’s largest city, it combines robust infrastructure with a vibrant arts scene and a commitment to inclusivity.
Factors Driving Canada’s Dominance
1. Healthcare Excellence
Canada’s universal healthcare system ensures widespread access to medical services, significantly enhancing liveability. Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto consistently rank high for their well-resourced hospitals and public health initiatives.
2. Cultural Richness and Diversity
Each city offers a unique blend of cultural events, museums, and culinary experiences, reflecting Canada’s multicultural identity. This diversity not only enriches residents’ lives but also attracts global talent.
3. Strong Infrastructure
Efficient public transportation systems, reliable utilities, and well-maintained urban infrastructure form the backbone of these cities’ liveability scores.
4. Environmental Stewardship
Canada’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its urban planning. Vancouver’s ambitious green initiatives, including renewable energy projects and carbon reduction strategies, set a global standard.
Global Trends in Liveability
Pandemic Recovery
The easing of COVID-related restrictions worldwide has positively impacted liveability scores, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Cities like Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand have climbed the rankings significantly due to restored stability and improved healthcare systems.
Stability Challenges
Despite overall improvements, some cities face rising crime rates and economic challenges. This trend underscores the importance of addressing public order and economic disparities to sustain liveability.
Conclusion:
Canada’s performance on the 2023 Global Liveability Index reaffirms its position as a leader in urban quality of life. With its robust healthcare, cultural vibrancy, and forward-thinking environmental policies, Canada continues to offer unparalleled liveability. As global cities strive to recover and innovate, Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto remain exemplary models of what it means to live well in the modern world.