Find the latest data for the number of social assistance recipients and welfare incomes in every province and territory.
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Welfare in Canada
This annual report looks at the total incomes available to those relying on social assistance (often called “welfare”), taking into account tax credits and other benefits along with social assistance itself.
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Social Assistance Summaries
This annual report tracks the number of recipients of social assistance (welfare payments) in each province and territory.
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The state of welfare in Canada: The federal role in income security
Recording of webinar that presented the main findings of Welfare in Canada, 2025. Presenters offered additional analysis and shared Maytree’s recommendations for improving the incomes of people receiving social assistance.
Falling further behind: How policy choices are deepening poverty for people receiving social assistance
The policy brief expands on the analysis presented in the Welfare in Canada, 2025 report. Welfare incomes remained inadequate across Canada. Despite some positive changes in a few jurisdictions, compared to the prior year, most households relying on social assistance fell further behind and were forced into even deeper poverty.
Social Assistance Summaries, 2025: Latest data now available
The 2025 edition of Social Assistance Summaries is now available, with comprehensive data on social assistance caseloads and beneficiaries across all 13 provinces and territories for fiscal year 2024-25.
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