A sailboat flying a sail designed with the Canadian flag moves through Halifax Harbour during Canada Day celebrations in Halifax on July 1, 2023. The Canadian Press
Canada placed 12th among the world’s freest countries in a new global study released this week. The ranking shows Canada held the same position as last year. However, its overall freedom score dropped slightly. Researchers say the change reflects a wider global trend rather than a single national issue.
The study reviewed freedom levels in 165 countries and territories. It focused on conditions in 2023, the most recent year with full data available.
Freedom Declines for Most of the World
The report found a sharp global decline in freedom. Nearly 90 per cent of the world’s population lived with fewer freedoms in 2023 than in 2019. Researchers described the shift as widespread and troubling.
Matthew Mitchell, one of the report’s authors, said governments have increased restrictions in recent years. “Governments around the world have recently been restricting freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, freedom of movement, and the freedom to use sound money,” he said. “The impact is alarming.”
How the Index Measures Freedom
The index measures how much control people have over their lives. It uses 87 indicators to compare countries. These include legal protections, safety, freedom of speech, religious freedom, and economic choice.
Researchers look at whether people can move freely, express opinions, and manage finances without heavy interference. The goal is to assess daily life, not just laws on paper.
Canada and United States See Small Drops
Canada’s freedom score declined by 0.03 points from the previous year. The United States also held its ranking at 15th place. Its score dropped by 0.04 points.
Researchers said both countries remain relatively free. However, the declines suggest growing pressure on personal and economic freedoms even in stable democracies.
European Countries Dominate the Top Rankings
Switzerland again ranked first and kept the same score as last year. Denmark moved into second place, pushing New Zealand to third. Ireland and Luxembourg followed closely behind.
Although these countries stayed near the top, all except Switzerland saw slight score declines. Researchers said even the freest nations face growing challenges.
Countries With the Least Freedom
Syria ranked as the least free country in the study. Iran, Yemen, Sudan, and Myanmar followed. Iran and Sudan showed slight improvements, while the others declined further.
The report noted that freedom losses affected both wealthy and poorer nations. Democracies and authoritarian states showed similar downward trends.
Why Freedom Still Matters
Researchers stressed the importance of tracking freedom over time. They said people in freer countries tend to live healthier, wealthier, and more satisfying lives.
“Many contend that freedom is valuable as an end to itself,” Mitchell said, “but it also makes life better.”
