7.3.1 Percentage of Canadian youth aged 12 to 17 years who reported that they had a sense of belonging to their local community, Canada and the provinces, 2016
| CAN | NL | PE | NS | NB | QC | ON | MB | SK | AB | BC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada/Provinces | 85.4 | 95.1 | 87.4 | 82.9 | 87.4 | 81.6 | 86.5 | 85.1 | 86.8 | 86.8 | 85.7 |
Source: CICH graphic created using data adapted from Statistics Canada. Table 105-0508 – Canadian health characteristics, annual estimates, by age group and sex, Canada (excluding territories) and provinces, occasional (number unless otherwise noted).
In 2016, 85% of Canadian youth aged 12 to 17 years reported that they had a sense of belonging to their local community.
That was the case for 95% of youth in Newfoundland and Labrador and 82% of youth in Quebec.
Males and females had similar levels of a sense of belonging.
Implications
There are strong associations between social networks and health outcomes. When young people are socially isolated they have poorer health and conversely, social engagement and social attachment are associated with positive health outcomes.1 Research has demonstrated that a sense of belonging to community is positively correlated with physical and mental health.2,3
1Berkman LF, Glass T, Brissette I, Seeman TE. From social integration to health: Durkheim in the new millennium. Social Science and Medicine 51(2000):843-857.
2Ross N. Community belonging and health. Health Reports (Statistics Canada, Catalogue 82-003) 2002;13(3):33-39.
3Shields M. Community belonging and self-perceived health. Health Reports (Statistics Canada, Catalogue 82-003) 2008;19(2):51-60.