Health, wellbeing, and safety: why the quality of life in Quebec is the best in the world

Whatever your reasons for immigrating, there’s a good chance the quality of life in Quebec is part of it. Canada, Quebec, and Montreal in particular are regularly ranked at the top of various quality of life lists.

Education, healthcare access, safety, nature, work-life balance: the elements that define the level of prosperity and wellbeing of a populace are very important in Quebec, which in 2016 took 12^th place in the world on the Human Development Index.

Here we will describe all of the small aspects of daily life that contribute to the high quality of life in Quebec for expatriates and immigrants from around the world.

Discover 5 good reasons to relocate to Quebec… and to stay!

Liberty, equality, and unity: find them in Quebec!

Let’s start by remembering that Canada is a democratic and peaceful federation. Quebec is a province that is distinguished by its attachment to French culture and social justice.

Individual liberties are important, and both the society and its laws condemn all forms of discrimination based on gender, race, religion, appearance, etc. Welcome to the country of political correctness!

The quality of life in Quebec is also linked to a very low crime rate. In Montreal, the feeling of a lack of safety is limited to just a few areas, and the most frequent crimes are burglary and bicycle theft.

Volunteerism, social aid, and warmth between strangers are widespread—nothing like the latent aggression felt in the subways of Paris or New York for example!

Education and health: two pillars of Quebec’s quality of life

Before thinking about quality of life, it’s necessary to think about health: know that healthcare is generally accessible and affordable in Quebec. RAMQ provides adequate coverage, but private healthcare can be helpful in special cases. There are no public health crises specific to Quebec besides the classic challenges found throughout western nations: obesity and substance abuse.

Access to free, quality education for all and the high level of universities attract numerous immigrants to Quebec. Since the population is in general highly educated, be aware that degrees are often less important here than professional experience.

If you relocate to Quebec as a family, you will have numerous education options: public, private French, English, with enhanced programs. You can count on us to help you establish the best strategy for capitalizing on the quality of life that Quebec has to offer to your children.

The sacrosanct work-life balance: work norms and daily life in Quebec

The sweetness of life in Quebec is intimately linked to the balance between personal and professional life. If work norms seem more demanding at first sight to some (40 hours per week and two weeks of vacation annually…), the stress level in reality is much less.

Gentle hierarchical relationships, respect for family constraints, the sharing of household tasks among partners, openness to telecommuting, generous parental leave, and the ease of XX are many of the factors that help Quebeckers organize a fulfilling daily life on all levels.

Sure, you have to wake up early to prepare lunches, avoid traffic, dress the kids without forgetting a mitten, shovel the entryway… but you’ll still manage to eat together at 6:30, no problem!

Quebec: “It’s not a country, it’s winter”—is the climate a drag on the quality of life?

Do you know what Quebeckers say? “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing!” While you should not underestimate the difficulty of winter in your decision to immigrate to Canada, your ability to enjoy winter will depend above all on the quality of your winter equipment (coat and boots).

In fact, the four seasons are of much importance in the local culture: we appreciate the temperature extremes, which run from -30 C to +30 C, and the diversity of activities the go along with them. Going apple and pumpkin picking in autumn, going to the sugar shack in spring, doing winter sports, climbing and the beach in the summer: there are reasons to go outside each and every day!

So the quality of life in Quebec is not really impacted by the weather forecast, even if it’s often a topic of conversation! With the undisputed advantage of dry cold, it’s often very nice out in the winter, and with the sun reflecting on the snow, the countryside is magnificent.

Nature and wide open spaces: the quality of life in Quebec is also in the geography

Faithful to their ancestors the “coureurs des bois” (fur traders), Quebeckers have a special relationship with nature. The immensity of the countryside is stunning for many new arrivals from Europe.

Outdoor activities hold a special place, even in Montreal: there are numerous parks and green spaces. We even have a mountain—that’s right—right in the middle of the city!

The quality of life is enriched by the greenery, the low population density, the large apartments, the respect for personal space (even in waiting lines for public transportation), and don’t forget a quick weekend trip to a chalet from time to time!

Conclusion: the quality of life in Quebec is not a myth!

To make the most of it, we advise you to prepare well for your move to Montreal, ideally with the aid of a professional like C&G Relocation by Classe Affaires. We can advise you on a whole slew of aspects of daily life: transport, cost of living, healthcare, etc. so feel free to contact us now.