Manitoba Blue Cross unveils groundbreaking Index of Wellbeing

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Manitoba Blue Cross, in collaboration with the University of Waterloo, has launched the inaugural Manitoba Index of Wellbeing (MIW), a comprehensive study examining the overall wellbeing of Manitobans across eight crucial domains.

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These domains include community vitality, healthy populations, democratic engagement, the environment, leisure and culture, education, living standards, and time use.

Despite economic growth in the province, the MIW reveals persistent challenges impacting individual and community wellbeing. Across all domains, issues of equity arise, with certain groups disproportionately affected. Women, racialized populations, Indigenous people, and those residing in rural and remote areas face greater risks of lower wellbeing levels due to disparities in access to resources and opportunities.

Other issues identified in the report include: Loss of social connections and opportunities to develop strong relationships in community. Our health-care system and front-line health workers are under stress. Economic, housing, and food security are all under strain. Leisure and culture continue to be undervalued in society.

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“It is our hope that the Manitoba Index of Wellbeing and its findings can foster serious conversations and wellness-focused decision-making across organizations and governments in Manitoba,” Benjamin Graham, President, and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross said in a release Tuesday. “When wellbeing is at the centre of policy development, it creates comprehensive, innovative, and evidence-based policies that benefit all Manitobans.

“Manitoba Blue Cross strives to be a trusted and essential health and wellness partner to all Manitobans. The Manitoba Index of Wellbeing can be used to actively enhance the quality of life for all Manitobans by supporting evidence-based and community-centric decisions.”

The unveiling of the MIW marks a step towards prioritizing evidence-based policies that enhance the overall quality of life for all Manitobans.

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“The index demonstrates the interconnectedness of wellbeing domains and their profound impact on Manitobans’ health and wellness,” said Florent Thezard, Wellness Program Leader at Manitoba Blue Cross. “This report can guide individuals, leaders, and organizations in supporting and strengthening local communities by addressing gaps and celebrating successes.”

In support of further wellness research, Manitoba Blue Cross has donated $40,000 to the Winnipeg Foundation to foster the health and wellness of Manitobans. To access the full report and insights from local leaders on each domain, visit mb.bluecross.ca/mbwellbeing.

The MIW, an extension of the Canadian Index of Wellbeing, evaluates Manitobans’ quality of life spanning nearly three decades from 1994 to 2020. By taking a holistic approach, the report aims to identify existing inequities and propose innovative solutions to ensure the wellbeing of all Manitobans.

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OUR WELLBEING

EDUCATION +23.1%

Great progress can be attributed to a growing number of people with university degrees, higher investments in public school students, and a steady increase in the number of childcare spaces (although they remain inadequate to serve existing demand). Despite the positives seen in this area, there is still room for improvement. Societies that thrive encourage learning at every age. Currently, few adults in Manitoba are participating in education-related activities (roughly 4% of those over 25 years of age).

TIME USE +10.2%

Much of the progress is attributable to fewer people working long hours each week and having greater flexibility in when they work, which may have contributed to being able to spend more time with friends and feeling less time pressure.

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DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT +3.9%

Since 1994, Manitobans have experienced shifts in how confident they were in the federal Parliament. The percentage of Manitobans who turn out to vote at federal elections has generally matched the Canadian average, but fewer people in Manitoba volunteer for political activities.

LIVING STANDARDS +3.9%

After a slow recovery from the 2008 recession, Manitoba’s living standards have not matched the national progress, signalling potential economic disparities. Food insecurity, in particular, is a growing concern in the province.

HEALTHY POPULATIONS +1.5%

Progress was made in Manitoba while the rest of the country overall fell back. In Manitoba, smoking rates have dropped dramatically, while immunization rates have increased, along with life expectancy.

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ENVIRONMENT -1.8%

The 2008 recession had a substantial impact on the environment domain: Manitoba has since experienced a decline comparable to the national average, indicating shared challenges in environmental sustainability. Greenhouse gas emissions are on the rise, forest regeneration is lagging, and fresh drinking water is less available.

COMMUNITY VITALITY -15.7%

Despite a growing sense of belonging to a community, volunteering and charitable donations have been declining. Isolation from friends is also a growing concern for Manitobans.

LEISURE AND CULTURE -20.9%

This decline is threatening our ability to flourish. Could this domain be one of the overlooked forces affecting all other aspects of wellbeing? Amongst its many benefits, participation in leisure activities facilitates socializing with others, a declining trend since 1994.

Source: Manitoba Blue Cross

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