Three Canadian Cities

Earlier this week, the Economist Intelligence Unit released their annual list of the world's most liveable cities.  While Vancouver lost their pre-eminent position (which it has held for the past ten years), it came in at a very respectable #3 in the rankings.  Not to be missed, Toronto and Calgary placed #4 and #5.

In short, Canada had three cities in the top five, out of 140 of the world's biggest cities.

Having had the experience of dealing with rankings in higher education for many years, it is so important to look at how the survey and rankings are compiled.  Essentially, one must question whether they agree with the methodology.  But beyond this....we can argue until the cows come home...the EIU measured such broad issues as education, culture, crime, transportation, cost of living, healthcare, etc.  Not a bad balance of the important issues.

What a great testimony to Canada and our standard of living.  It is always so easy to complain about things, but for anyone who has travelled beyond North America, I'm sure one realizes that we are truly blessed in Canada.

For what it is worth, in my rankings, Vancouver wins hands down.  I've had the opportunity to travel to various continents...for business and pleasure...and there is no city with such diversity and a bounty of benefits.  Add Whistler to the mix and you can't beat it.

Please think about this....the next time you feel distressed about some issue here in Canada, about how hard done by we are, remember, compared to other countries and cities in the world, we are very fortunate.