A snapshot of Canadians’ key well-being determinants

Health and well-being are multifaceted, shaped by various factors such as physical and mental health, the presence of social supports, and engagement in healthy behaviours. These potential determinants were the focus of Wave 5 of the Health, Attitudes & Behavioural Insights Tracker (HABIT) Survey, conducted by Impact Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) Behavioural Science Office. Together, Impact Canada and PHAC's Behavioural Science Office sought to understand how these factors may impact well-being and identify areas where policy and program interventions may be needed to promote healthier, more socially-connected communities.

A representative sample of 2,265 Canadian adults were surveyed in February and March 2025. Overall, we found that a meaningful proportion of Canadians rated their physical and mental health as fair or poor (30% and 28%, respectively). While most Canadians (91%) felt they had strong relationships as evidenced by the presence of people they can rely on or talk to, half reported feelings of loneliness – either in lacking companionship or feeling isolated or left out. Barriers to social engagement were reported by 43% of respondents, and most attributed it to lack of time, personal or family responsibilities, or high costs. Half of respondents planned to exercise more in the next 12 months, but commonly cited barriers to exercise included lack of motivation (47%), energy (43%), and time (37%). These results offer a snapshot of Canadians’ key well-being determinants, and demonstrated some major areas of challenge.

For further information on our research contact iiu-uii@pco-bcp.gc.ca.