Despite the strains caused by recession during the early 1990s û including a rise in unemployment to 11% û life for most Canadians remains very good. The UN ranks Canada as one of the best countries in the world in which to live. In its 1993 overall assessment of human development indicators, like income, education and life expectancy, Canada came in second behind Japan.
However, disadvantaged groups do exist, particularly among Aboriginal Peoples of Canada. Unemployment, poor housing and mortality rates for Indians and Innuits are well above those for other Canadians; the Innuit suicide rate is three times higher. Those who live on reserves are the poorest group.
