The aim of this paper is to describe an approach to the construction of a single composite index worthy of the name “Canadian Index of Wellbeing” (CIW) based on a selection of headline indicators. Imagine, if you can, a single tree capable of capturing some of the magnificence of a Canadian forest and you will be able to appreciate the challenge before us. Technically speaking, it is a task of constructing a unidimensional index to reasonably represent a multidimensional construct of human wellbeing. The paper provides some background material reviewing assumptions made and principles agreed upon by the Canadian Research Advisory Group (CRAG), formerly the CIW National Working Group, in general and the authors of this piece of work in particular.