About the Institute

A Message from the Honourable Roy J. Romanow

It is my great pleasure to introduce you to the new Institute of Wellbeing and our signature product, the Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW).

The Institute is independent, non-partisan, with a newly forming affiliation with the University of Waterloo, and operates under the leadership of an advisory board of accomplished Canadians and international experts. Its mission is to report on the quality of life of Canadians, and promote a dialogue on how to improve it through evidence-based policies that are responsive to the needs and values of Canadians.

The Institute is at the forefront of a global movement. Around the world, a consensus is growing about the need for a more holistic and transparent way to measure societal progress – one that accounts for more than just economic indicators such as the Gross Domestic Product and takes into account the full range of social, health, environmental and economic concerns of citizens.

The CIW will track Canada’s progress and provide a set of indicators in eight interconnected categories that will enable us to see whether we are better or worse off than we used to be, whether we will leave the world a better or worse place for the generations that follow, and what we need to change to achieve a better outcome.

While part of a global movement, the CIW is very much rooted in Canadian values. I see it reflecting the very Canadian cornerstone principle of shared destiny. At a time when there are increased pressures for a more decentralized Canada, it will play a very important role in providing timely information about the things that matter to Canadians, regardless of their geographical point of reference. In this regard, the CIW is a promising nation building initiative.

Since the CIW emerged as a concept, an impressive international and pan-Canadian team of experts and champions has assembled to see this project through. They have shown an incredible good will to collaborate, with the aim of breaking down silos, looking beyond short-term bottom lines, working from what binds us together rather than what drives us apart, and building a new way to shine the spotlight on what matters to Canadians.

The Honourable Roy J. Romanow, P.C., O.C., S.O.M., Q.C.        

Chair, Institute of Wellbeing Advisory Board