Federal Social Programs: Setting the Record Straight

This report explores the changes that have been made to federal social programs since 1985 in the areas of child benefits, child care, pensions, Unemployment Insurance, federal transfers to the provinces and taxes.  A detailed annual record of the specific changes made to each of these areas is presented in the appendix.  The report explains how several progressive measures introduced over the years have been offset by other changes that have hurt low- and modest-income families.  While there is increasing pressure to slash social spending, including programs that benefit the poor, billions continue to be spent on tax breaks that favour upper-income taxpayers.

ISBN – 1-895796-01-6