The happiest Canadian provinces were ranked and Quebec's score will shock you

A recent ranking of the happiest provinces in Canada just dropped and Quebec's score is a lot better than you'd expect.

Despite ongoing language laws, lack of of accessible healthcare, a teacher shortage and dwindling infrastructure, Quebec was not only ranked among the happiest provinces in Canada, but it ranked as the happiest province in Canada. Yup, that's right. La belle province is (allegedly) the happiest province in Canada, and we're just as surprised as you are.

Casino.com compiled the list and evaluated each province based on several factors including retirement age, average salary, unemployment rate, average annual sunshine hours, average annual working hours and a safety index score.

Now, while Quebec ranked number one, it tied with Ontario — both scoring 6.88/10.

Quebec managed to take the top spot for lowest unemployment rate and lowest crime rate (3,508 per 100,000 people), thanks to the province's strong social safety net, reducing the social and economic factors that contribute to crime, a well-funded education system, and well-trained law enforcement, Casino.com indicated. Quebec also ranked in the top five for its average income of $43,900.

Alberta and Saskatchewan followed suit, ranking third overall (second if you count Quebec and Ontario as one) with an overall score of 6.25/10. Per Casino.com, Alberta has the highest average income on the list at $48,700. The province also ranks second for its 2,310.1 annual sunshine hours.

Manitoba (5.31/10) and British Columbia (5/10) made up the remainder of the top five.

Wondering which other Canadian provinces made the cut? Here's the complete ranking of the happiest provinces in Canada, per Casino.com:

1. Ontario — 6.88/10
2. Quebec — 6.88/10
3. Alberta — 6.25/10
4. Saskatchewan — 6.25/10
5. Manitoba — 5.31/10
6. British Columbia — 5/10
7. New Brunswick — 3.44/10
8. Nova Scotia — 3.13/10
9. Prince Edward Island — 2.19/10