Question

What are the three main approaches to social welfare in Canada? Describe them and how they differ. (Note that I am not asking for ideologies here, but the three main approaches to social welfare)

Answer 1

Social Welfare Approach

Welfare is the support and assistance received by the people from the part of the government to meet their basic needs like food, shelter, etc.  

Social welfare policies adopted in a mixed economy with the objective of the welfare of the people are called Social Welfare Approach. Welfare means good health, prospirity, social respect, etc. Hence social welfare means, the effort of a group of people, or any organisation to help the people of the society to become physically, financially and emotionally healthy and strong.  

Social welfare activities include the following.

i. health care assistance

ii. unemployment compensation

iii. educational assistance

iv. disaster relief

v. steps to eradicate povery

vi. eradication of illiteracy.

Welfare system is effective in child poverty section. In most of the other sections the problem is with the shortage of funds.

The following are the welfare policies focused in Canada.  

i. social assistance

ii.Canada child tax benefit

iii. Old age security and garanteed income supplement.

iv.employment insurance

v. the Canada and Quebec Pension Plan

vi. worker' compensation

vii. Public education

viii. Medicare

ix. social housing, etc.  

Approaches to Social welfare in Canada

i. Income security measures

These measures include, targeted cash transfers including social assistance. guaranteed income supplemnent and disability pensions are provided to the required persons.

Under universal cash transfer system,old age pensions and child care benefits are provided.

Social insurance include employment insurance, workers' compensation, Canada and Quebec Pension Plan, etc.

ii. Tax Relief Measres

It provides certain relaxation to those of group of people who are fianancially at risk and unable to pay tax.

iii.Goods and services related provisions

Hospital insurance, education, homecare, legal aid, etc. are provided to the required group of people under this approach.