1. SOCIAL PROGRAMS IN CANADA AND THE U.S.

2. Social programs are services provided by government and paid for by taxes.
EDUCATION
HEALTH CARE
PENSIONS
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
INCOME ASSISTANCE

3. Social programs are meant to promote the well-being of all citizens by reducing economic inequalities.

4. The decision by a government to provide (or not provide) social programs is based on different economic philosophies and different values.
How do the economic philosophies and values of Canada and the U.S. reflect their social programs?
“Peace, order and good government” with a mixed economy.
“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” in a market economy.

5. COMPARISON OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS IN CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES

6. PENSIONS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
CANADA
UNITED STATES
At age 65, all citizens who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years, automatically qualify for a pension, paid for by taxes - Old Age Security Act.
Seniors generally support themselves through personal savings and pension plans.

7. INCOME ASSISTANCE CANADA UNITED STATES
Citizens unable to meet basic needs receive assistance paid for by taxes from federal and provincial governments. The provinces set critieria for eligibility.
The Social Security Act provides funds (from taxes) for those who cannot meet their basic needs. The federal and state governments set criteria for eligibility.

8. *Medicare and Medicaid
HEALTH CARE
CANADA
UNITED STATES
Public Health Care - All citizens receive basic health care paid for by taxes. The Canada Health Act is a federal law that sets out the principles for healthcare in Canada.
Private Health Care - Americans pay for health care or health insurance, but it can be expensive. (15% of Americans do not have health insurance)
*Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare - federal insurance for seniors
Medicaid - Social Security Act provides medical care for low income people who meet certain requirements - Many groups of people are covered by Medicaid. Even within these groups, though, certain requirements must be met. These may include your age, whether you are pregnant, disabled, blind, or aged; your income and resources (like bank accounts, real property, or other items that can be sold for cash); and whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant.

9. SICKO
A controversial documentary about America’s health care system by Michael Moore. In your opinion, are the clips representative of the reality in Canada and the United States?

10. The Canada Health Act outlines five principles for health care in Canada:

11. ACCESSIBLE

12. PORTABLE

13. COMPREHENSIVE

14. UNIVERSAL

15. The following cartoons illustrate some of the problems faced by one or both health care systems. What message do you think the artist is trying to share with readers?