Can you quote any hard references, like the post you're replying to? Using your anecdotal method, I can say Montreal has a culture that doesn't expect everyone to simply be job focused, which you may interpret in your own way, but there is a lot of support for low key lifestyles (low cost childcare, co-op ateliers in every neighbourhood, etc) and the cost of living is quite low. Regardless, the economy is doing well, unemployment is low and the homeless population is average for Canada. Large parts of Montreal may be inscrutable to people who don't speak french well (like me) but it's still a great place to live, IMO.