9.2 Social Welfare and the Expansion of Government Services

The post-war boom in Canada saw a massive expansion of social welfare programs. Universal healthcare, pension plans, and unemployment insurance were introduced, transforming the role of government in citizens' lives.

These new social programs aimed to provide a safety net for all Canadians. They marked a shift towards a more comprehensive welfare state, reflecting the changing expectations of government responsibility in the post-war era.

Healthcare and Pension Programs

Establishing Universal Healthcare

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• Universal healthcare introduced in Canada during the post-war period, ensuring all citizens had access to necessary medical services
• Began with hospital insurance programs in the 1940s and 1950s, which covered the costs of hospital stays and treatments
• Evolved into a comprehensive national medicare system in the 1960s, providing universal coverage for physician services and other healthcare needs
• Key legislation included the Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act (1957) and the Medical Care Act (1966)

Retirement Income Security

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) established in 1965 as a contributory pension program to provide retirement income for Canadian workers
  • Funded through payroll contributions from employers and employees
  • Benefits based on the amount and duration of contributions made during working years
• Old Age Security (OAS) program introduced as a universal pension for seniors aged 65 and above
  • Funded through general tax revenues rather than individual contributions
  • Provides a basic level of retirement income to help reduce poverty among the elderly
• Together, CPP and OAS formed the foundation of Canada's public pension system, ensuring a measure of financial security for retirees

Income Support Programs

Unemployment Assistance

• Unemployment Insurance (UI) program introduced in 1940 to provide temporary financial support for workers who lost their jobs
  • Funded through contributions from employers, employees, and the federal government
  • Provided a percentage of a worker's previous earnings for a limited period while they searched for new employment
• UI benefits helped to stabilize the economy during economic downturns by maintaining consumer spending power

Family Support and Poverty Reduction

• Family Allowance program launched in 1944, providing monthly cash benefits to families with children
  • Aimed at helping families cover the costs of raising children and reducing child poverty
  • Benefits were universal, paid to all families regardless of income level
• Social safety net expanded to include various welfare programs and social assistance for individuals and families in need
  • Included programs such as social housing, disability support, and income assistance for low-income households
• Development of a welfare state, where the government assumed a greater role in ensuring the social and economic well-being of its citizens through redistributive policies and social programs