How Finance Re-Formed Social Policy

How Finance Re-Formed Social Policy analyzes the implications of the 1995 federal Budget for social policy.  It explores the likely impact of the Canada Health and Social Transfer on welfare, social services and medicare that will result from both the substantial loss of funds and the withdrawal of the Canada Assistance Plan legislative base.  Other Budget announcements regarding the Human Resources Investment Fund, Unemployment Insurance and pensions are also discussed.  The paper places these announcements within the broader context of the substantial changes to social programs that have been introduced over the past 10 years by both the Tories and the Liberals, largely through budgetary measures.  The report concludes that the 1995 Budget represents a fundamental turning point in Canadian social policy that will see a decline in the role and influence of the federal government in welfare, social services and health care.

ISBN – 1-895796-32-6