K96.3FM Radio Spot

"If you're happy and you know it, vote for me" The Saturday Globe had an article on hapiiness and it's effect on productivety. Politicians are warming to the idea that happiness should be a goal of policy.

This has been a popular subject lately. The idea has already caught on in Britain. The Brits unveiled plans to launch a Happiness Index and France made a similar move last year. I wonder whether it will be something like the Big Mac Index the Economist puts out.

Social Capital (relationships, community involvement), Income and wealth are a few variables in the happiness equation. These are all important for retirementy but the degree of importance is debatable because the notion is somewhat elusive. They interviewed a number of people, including politicians. Pat Martin NDP MP's response was the best "I saw that report and agree that happiness isn't a function of income or wealth. Personally I like to dress up in a chicken suit and sit in a washtub full of mung beans until they sprout...but that's just me." Maybe they should talk to Ronald McDonald. I think we should follow the French model; good wine, crusty bread and don't work too hard or long.