1. Entrenched Residualism: Social Assistance and People with Disabilities Michael J. Prince Presentation for the Welfare Reform in Canada: Provincial Social Assistance in Comparative Perspective Conference Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy University of Regina & University of Saskatchewan October 25, 2013

2. Disability and People with Disabilities Long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments Outcome of interactions with and inactions by social actors and structures An evolving concept in culture and policy A hybrid risk with old and new aspects 2

3. Entrenched residualism Social assistance is a first-resort (not last-resort) program for many people with disabilities Prominent place in the Canadian income security system In 2010-11, $6.8 billion on SA disability benefit expenditures by provinces Inadequate benefit amounts in most provinces Decline in real value by stealth and by cuts over time Infringes on dignity of applicants and clients 3

4. No mere target group of SA The disabled are the single largest category of recipients on SA caseloads in most provinces today In 2009, among SA recipients in Canada, 68% had disabilities In every province, SA is the single largest source of income for low income working-age people with disabilities 4

5. On federalism and policy design Provincial disability-related SA: shaped by federal support and collaborative federalism between 1930 and 1996 since end of Canada Assistance Plan, classical federalism and provincial innovations Three types of policy designs in effect: Specific categorical disability income program Distinct component within general SA program General SA program 5

6. Distribution of a double stigma 1.A subordinate status as an individual who is dependent on state aid, like others on welfare 2.A spoiled identity as a person with an abnormal mind and or body, unlike others Thus, the image of people with disabilities as the worthy poor is doubtful 6

7. Reform agenda: key themes Administrative and governance changes Employment incentives and support measures Poverty alleviation and adequacy of benefits 7