Moving Beyond the Balance Sheet: Why Quebec Must Prioritize Collective Wellbeing
In an era defined by geopolitical instability and economic turbulence, the traditional metrics of success are no longer sufficient. For years, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been the gold standard for measuring a region’s progress. However, as highlighted in recent discussions featured in la presse, a growing movement led by the G15+ argues that it is time for Quebec to shift its gaze toward a more holistic measure: human wellbeing.
The G15+—a diverse alliance comprising leaders from economic, union, environmental, academic, community, and cultural sectors—is calling on future government leaders to adopt a roadmap that ensures Quebec remains green, inclusive, and prosperous.
The Hidden Crises Behind the Numbers
While Quebec continues to rank high in global wellbeing indices, a closer look reveals troubling cracks in the social fabric. The G15+ warns that several environmental and social indicators are deteriorating, posing a significant risk to the most vulnerable populations. Some of the most pressing challenges include:
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- Housing & Homelessness: An escalating crisis that threatens the fundamental right to shelter.
- Food Insecurity: The increasing difficulty for citizens to access and afford healthy, nutritious food.
- Mental Health: A growing need for accessible care in an increasingly stressful social climate.
- Climate Change: Accelerating environmental impacts that require urgent, coherent action.
- Labor Market Shifts: The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to disrupt traditional employment.
Global Inspiration: The Wellbeing Budget Model
The idea of steering a country by wellbeing rather than just wealth is not a theoretical dream; it is already being implemented worldwide. The G15+ points to successful international examples as blueprints for Quebec:
- New Zealand: Under previous leadership, the government introduced a “Wellbeing Budget,” directing billions of dollars toward mental health, child poverty, and domestic violence prevention.
- Iceland: The implementation of a comprehensive framework featuring 39 indicators to measure quality of life across social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
These nations, along with Finland, Scotland, and Wales, are members of the Wellbeing Economy Governments (WEGO) alliance. By doing so, they force a societal shift: measuring what actually matters to the people, rather than just the flow of capital.
A Call to Action for the Next Election
As Quebec approaches its next electoral cycle, the G15+ urges political parties to move away from fragmented, sectoral measures. Instead, they propose that wellbeing becomes the compass guiding all budgetary, legislative, and regulatory decisions.
To maintain resilience, the group emphasizes the need to protect and strengthen:
- The Social Safety Net: Ensuring no citizen is left behind during economic shifts.
- Wealth Redistribution: Implementing policies that tackle increasing social inequality.
- Social Dialogue: Fostering a healthy, collaborative relationship between the state, workers, and employers.
Final Thoughts
The debate sparked in la presse serves as a reminder that the health of a society is not found in a spreadsheet, but in the quality of life of its citizens. By embracing a wellbeing-first approach, Quebec has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable and compassionate governance, ensuring a high quality of life for generations to come.
