The Squeeze on Social Spending

A succession of federal budgets has introduced substantial cuts (both direct and indirect through partial indexation) to social programs.  Despite these cuts, social spending can be attributed to three key factors: demographics, the labour market and changing family structure. The growing number of elderly Canadians has intensified demands for pensions, health care and other services.  High rates of unemployment and underemployment due both to the recession and to the restructuring of jobs have pushed up Unemployment Insurance and welfare caseloads.  The increase in single-parent families has generated pressures on social programs.  The answer to growing social spending lies in finding solutions that address these economic and social problems.

ISBN – 1-895796-04-0