The Fading of Redistributive Politics in Canada

Abstract: The redistributive state is fading in Canada. Program cuts and policy drift have had serious implications for the redistributive role of government. Programs targeted on vulnerable Canadians, such as unemployment benefits and social assistance, have not enjoyed the same political protection as pensions and health care. During the 1990s, Canada experienced a “neoliberal moment,” when... [read more]

Abstract: The redistributive state is fading in Canada. Program cuts and policy drift have had serious implications for the redistributive role of government. Programs targeted on vulnerable Canadians, such as unemployment benefits and social assistance, have not enjoyed the same political protection as pensions and health care. During the 1990s, Canada experienced a “neoliberal moment,” when the federal and provincial governments made cuts in these programs; and during the 2000s, governments continued to weaken the redistributive impact of taxes and transfers in more incremental ways. But policy drift has been even more important. Governments have not responded energetically to evidence of growing inequality; they have not modernized the policy architecture in light of new social risks confronting Canadian families. In effect, Canada has stopped trying and the welfare state is running out of gas. Action and inaction, cuts and drift, sins of omission and sins of commission have weakened the redistributive state. changingState_myles John Myles is Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto, Adjunct Professor of Sociology at the University of Ottawa, Canada Research Chair in Social and Ethical Context of Health, and Visiting Research Scholar at Statistics Canada. His research focuses on comparative social policy and politics, economic inequality and its consequences, and issues in urban sociology, including immigrant incorporation and urban health. His past books include, Why We Need a New Welfare State (Oxford University Press, 2002), and Relations of Ruling: Class and Gender in Postindustrial Societies, which co-authored with Wallace Clement, was the recipient of the 1995 Innis Award for best book in Canadian social science. Professor Myles received his B.A. and B.Ph. from the University of Ottawa, a B.Th. from Gregorian University, an M.A. from Carleton, and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Copy and paste a Youtube link below submit

Copy and paste a Slideshare link below submit