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Developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the Quality of Life Reporting System (QOLRS) measures, monitors and reports on the quality of life in Canadian urban municipalities using data from a variety of national and municipal sources.
Starting with 16 municipalities in 1999, the QOLRS has grown to include 24 municipalities, including HRM. With 40 per cent of Canada’s total population, these municipalities comprise some of Canada’s largest urban centres, many of the suburban municipalities surrounding them, as well as small and medium-sized municipalities in seven provinces.
What is the Federation of Canadian Municipalities?
The FCM has been recognized since 1901 as the national voice of municipal governments and it occupies a central position in the political and economic structure of Canada. FCM is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government. Members include Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities and the 17 major provincial and territorial municipal associations. Municipal leaders from all parts of Canada assemble annually to establish FCM policy on key issues. The National Board of Directors meets quarterly to review policy and program matters. Please visit FCM's website for more information.
What does "quality of life" mean?
FCM's Quality of Life Reporting System is founded on the following beliefs:
1. Quality of life is achieved when individuals have the ability to meet their basic needs and to achieve personal goals, hopes or aspirations while living in communities that support:
- Rich social interactions,
- The inclusion of all residents in community life,
- A fair and equitable sharing of common resources.
- A safe and clean environment.
2. Federal, Provincial / Territorial, and Municipal governments must work collaboratively to ensure that all individuals and communities are supported in achieving a meaningful quality of life.
3. The Quality of life in any given community is influenced by interrelated factors such as:
- Health status
- Personal Safety
- Affordable Housing
- Appropriate Housing
- Social Supports
- Meaningful Employment and Lifestyle Opportunities
- Local Economy
- Adequate Personal Income
- Demographic Characteristics
The following responses are from a public opinion poll conducted by Corporate Research Associates in HRM in 1997 which asked respondents what "quality of life" means to them.
| Responses (up to 3 recorded) |
(%) |
| Having enough money / financial security |
33 |
| Being healthy |
31 |
| Happiness/being able to enjoy life |
25 |
| Comfort/freedom to live comfortably and how you want |
20 |
| Good family life/home life |
11 |
| Feeling safe/safe environment/surroundings |
8 |
| Lead a good life |
2 |
| Good medical care/service |
2 |
| God/spiritual relationship |
2 |
| Environment (healthy, friendly) |
2 |
| Nothing/not much/don't know/no answer |
7 |
| Other |
10 |
What is the QOL Reporting system?
The Quality of Life Reporting system was developed as an evidenced-based measuring tool to monitor, evaluate and influence public policy related to municipalities.
The QLRS is a set of social need indicators that:
- Measure satisfaction from subjective and objective perspectives,
- Measure change,
- Set the stage for community strategic planning,
- Inform goal-setting.
The quality of life reporting system is a useful tool for
- Knowledge aquisition
- Evaluation of existing policies
- Advocacy
- Planning
A community that values its environment, its people and its resources is valued by others. A good quality of life attracts new economic activity and skilled people. A great quality of life keeps them.
Links to QOLRS Reports
2004 Highlights Report
2004 Ecological Footprint
QOL Theme Report 1: Income, Shelters, and Necessities
QOL Theme Report 2: Dynamic Societies and Social Change
QOL Theme Report 3: Growth, the Economy and the Urban Environment
QOL Theme Report #4: Trends and Issues in Affordable Housing and Homelessness, 2008
NEW!!QOL Theme Report #5 Immigration and Diversity in Canadian Cities and Communities, 2009
Other FCM QOLRS Reports
Links to other organizations working on QOL and social policy issues in Canada
GPI Atlantic
Canadian Council for Social Development
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
Canadian Index of Well Being
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