Canadians who live in the westernmost province of British Columbia are the most healthy, according to a study issued by the think tank, Conference Board of Canada. The study looked at several factors including life expectancy, infant mortality, cancer deaths and suicides.
Canada as a whole, got a “B” rating and ranked eighth among 16 advanced countries. Its grade was pulled down in two categories: infant mortality and mortality due to diabetes. The infant mortality rates may be skewed because of differences in the way Canada registers babies with extremely low birth weight and definitions of live births and stillbirths.
Obesity a cause for concern
While Canada compares well on risk factors leading to chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes, the report flags a concern with increasing overweight and obesity, particularly childhood obesity.
British Columbia has the healthiest population in large part because residents are more active, drink and smoke less and fewer are obese. It ranks third behind the countries of Switzerland and Sweden. The province of Ontario is not far behind with a “B.”
The eastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador has the lowest Canadian ranking, a “D-.” Its people have poorer health outcomes than those in the worst performing country, the United States. The three northern territories got the same low ranking.
Quebec, Prince Edward Island and Alberta got “Bs.”
New Brunswick got the only “C.”
Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba all got “D” grades.
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