The Evolution of Canada's Welfare State and Healthcare

Welfare State

Government programs protecting vulnerable citizens from poverty.

Social Assistance

Government aid for individuals in financial need.

Social Safety Net

Programs like employment insurance, universal healthcare, childcare benefits. old age pensions

Employment Insurance

Financial support for unemployed individuals seeking work.

Old Age Pensions

Financial aid for elderly citizens to ensure basic living.

Childcare Benefits

Financial assistance for families to support child-rearing.

Universal Healthcare

Healthcare system providing coverage to all citizens within a country. Driven by the impact of the Great Depression

Tax Funding

Citizens fund welfare programs through taxation.

Pecuniary Poverty

Belief that poverty is a personal character flaw.

Workhouse

Giving people the bare minimum for survival. Split up families

Great Depression

Economic downturn prompting reevaluation of poverty views. Poverty can affect everyone, not just a character flaw

Civilian Life Reintegration

Process of veterans adapting back to society.

Veterans Charter

Program supporting reintegration of returning war veterans into a post war civilian society

Veterans Rehabilitation Act

Law providing support and education for veterans. Grants for tuition that covered a quarter-half of the costs

Family Allowance Act - 1945

Monthly payment directly to mothers based on children's age and number of children. Was not much - $7.94 per kid per month on average ($75 per kid per month today). Hidden message that women should return to the domestic sphere

Joey Smallwood

Leader promoting Newfoundland's confederation for financial aid. Used the Family Allowance Act to gain support

Old Age Security - 1950

Universal financial support for citizens over 70 years.

Means Test

Assessment to determine eligibility for financial aid.

Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF)

Political party advocating for social welfare reforms.

Tommy Douglas

CCF leader, pivotal in Canadian healthcare development after almost needing to get his leg amputated

Driving Factors for the creation of Universal Healthcare (UH)

Great Depression causes charity and poor hospitals to be overwhelmed/ Medicine costs are growing. Only the rich can afford healthcare

Saskatchewan and Healthcare

Hardest hit province from the Great Depression. Post war doctor shortage. Universal Healthcare is pursued by Tommy Douglas and the CCF

Doctor Representation

Provincial College(s) of Physicians and Surgeons. Canadian Medical Association

Provincial College(s) of Physicians and Surgeons

Federal body for the Canadian Medical Association with almost complete control over the profession. Control over who could be a doctor, what they learned , exams required. Set minimum prices to keep prices high, competition low

Doctors Stance on UH

Want the system that gives them a larger profit. Keep their standard of living as upper middle-upper class

Private insurance is best

Douglas' First Plan

Saskatchewan doctors to become provincial employees. Rejected immediately

Concessions to push the deal forward

Keep fee for service model. Profession keeps almost complete control over training/licensing and scientific developments

Weyburn Test

Only hospitals are given government insurance

Swift Current Test

Hospitals and doctors are given government insurance

1960 Provincial Election

Where UH becomes the main talking point after 15 years. CCF wins

July 1, 1962

Universal Healthcare becomes law in Saskatchewan

1972

All 12 other provinces and territories have Universal Healthcare