About a month ago, the World Economic Forum released the results of a survey to determine the best countries to live in. The U.S. was #4 behind Germany (#1) Canada (a very close #2 ) and the United Kingdom (#3).

Canada is ranked first for overall quality of life. And Canadians seem to be more polite than the rest of the world. They say “sorry” (pronounced “sorey”), even when their behavior may not warrant it.

I’ve been wondering what happened to “niceness” in U.S. politics. Candidates from both political parties are rude and unwilling to hear each other out. During their debates, they don’t answer the questions they are asked.

The lack of civility our would-be leaders display is embarrassing. So when our Canadian friends came to dinner the other night, I asked them how Canadians are able to elect their leaders in a short period of time in a civilized way.

They told me that the most recent Canadian election lasted eleven weeks. That was five weeks longer than usual, yet it cost a tiny fraction of what we spend. Although the candidate they preferred didn’t win, they didn’t moan and groan about how it was the end of Canada as they know it. Doesn’t that sound nice?

And it seems that Canadians are happier too. Is it because there are fewer of them and they are more spread out across their gorgeous country? Is it their universal healthcare and fine public education? Their welcoming borders?

It’s beginning to look like global warming may force us to move north soon. Maybe we shouldn’t wait.