Social Safety Nets and Policies to Protect Disadvantaged Groups: A Canadian Perspective Michael J. Prince University of Victoria Canada

Outline Introduction and Main Themes Concepts of Disadvantaged Groups Social Safety Nets: A Framework Current Policy Actions and Trends Conclusions

Introduction Three key policy issues: Relationship between safety nets and disadvantaged groups Links between social programs, capacity building, and economic development Future role of social policy in a global and knowledge-based economy

Main Themes Canada has a complex bundle of social programs and policies Several formal commitments to assisting disadvantaged groups Four types of social safety net policies Recent return of an active social role by Canadian government Capacity building and issues of disadvantage on economic and social policy agendas

Disadvantaged Groups Shared characteristics and circumstances In past, present and or foreseeable future Distinct from others in society Characteristics/circumstances considered unfair and significant in relation to mainstream population A political process to recognition and definition of groups seen as disadvantaged

Concepts of Disadvantaged Groups: Canadian Sources Constitution and Charter of Rights, 1982 Employment Equity Act, 1986 and 1995 Social Union Framework Agreement, 1999 Human Resources Development Canada Canadian Health Research on Vulnerable Populations, 2002 Canada’s Innovation Strategy, 2002

Social Safety Nets in Canada: Four Types 1. Social Assistance 2. Economic Inclusion 3. Health and Social Security 4. Human Capital Investment

Social Assistance Programs of “last resort” Means-tested or needs-tested Minimal level of support Client groups have no attachment to labour force or have non-standard work history Main recent initiative for low-income families with children

Economic Inclusion Focus on groups excluded from or marginalized in the paid labour force Supports may include literacy, skill development and training, apprenticeships, wage subsidies, “workfare” Recent initiatives for youth, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples, single mothers, visible minorities

Health and Social Security Mainstream programs of welfare state Social insurance and general access benefits Support based on adequacy and income replacement Client groups usually have or had a firm attachment to labour force Recent measures focus on early childhood, Aboriginal communities, farmers

Human Capital Investment Programs for those employed in good positions or with good prospects Post-secondary access programs, funding for government research councils and universities Goal of a well-educated, highly skilled, flexible workforce Main recent initiatives on enhanced expenditure and tax support for higher education and learning

Conclusions A distinctive policy discourse on disadvantaged groups Growing interest in capacity building Increasing attention to disadvantaged groups: early years evidence, labour skill shortages, Charter rights Economic development and social development interconnected Continued social role by governments