Victoria, B.C. Residents Report Highest Work-Related Stress in Canada

Victoria, British Columbia, has been identified as the Canadian city with the highest levels of work-related stress, according to a new analysis of online search data released today.

The study, conducted by Compare the Market, analyzed search volumes for terms related to anxiety, work stress, and burnout across major Canadian cities. Victoria scored 91.37 out of 100 for work-related stress – the highest score in the country – based on searches per 100,000 people. The findings suggest a growing need for mental health support within the local workforce. Overall, approximately 1,043 out of every 100,000 residents in Victoria are searching for information on how to deal with anxiety.

London, Ontario, ranked second in Canada with a score of 86.62, but had a higher volume of general anxiety-related searches at 1,481 per 100,000 people. When compared to cities in both Canada and the United States, Victoria placed second overall, behind Atlanta, Georgia, which achieved a perfect score of 100. This data builds on recent recognition of Victoria as a desirable tourist destination; as previously reported, the city was named the world’s best small city for the third consecutive year.

“Our study highlights the widespread nature of anxiety, showing that both large and smaller cities are deeply affected by work-related stress and the pressures of urban life,” said Steven Spicer, executive general manager of health, life and energy at Compare the Market. “These findings serve as a reminder that mental health is a critical issue, and cities across the globe must invest in more robust mental health resources to support their residents.” Health Canada offers resources for those struggling with mental health.

Officials have indicated they are reviewing the study’s findings and considering increased investment in local mental health services.