For Immediate Release
October 16, 2013
OTTAWA, October 16, 2013- Today’s Speech from the Throne outlined an agenda to put consumers first, however it failed to deliver an inclusive vision for Canada that will support the economic and social prosperity of all Canadians.
“Social workers across Canada are dealing with the consequence of the growing equity gap and nothing in the vision of the Throne speech outlines a path to support vulnerable Canadians as they struggle to maintain their health and social well-being” states CASW President, Morel Caissie.
Research shows that tax expenditures do little to address social inequalities yet Canada will continue on a path of tax credits with little to no research on its benefits to Canadian families. On the contrary overwhelming evidence validates that investments in the social determinants of health will address the growing economic gap; balancing economic growth with social development is a vision for Canada expected but not delivered in today’s Throne speech.
CASW continues to have serious concerns about the pace at which the Government of Canada is reshaping national social programs and services as well as with the unilateral renewal of the Canadian Social Transfer at 3% with no dialogue on accountability or impact.
Notably absent from the vision of Canada outlined in the Throne speech were commitments to:
• A national inquiry into murdered and missing Aboriginal women.
• A national independent children’s advocate charged with ensuring our children are put first and their rights are protected no matter where they live in Canada.
• Equitable funding for child and family services in Aboriginal communities as compared to other Canadian communities.
• Advancing a “basic” or “guaranteed” income as a possible path to the goal of greater economic equity for all people in Canada.
• A national affordable housing strategy.
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For more information:
Fred Phelps, MSW, RSW
Executive Director
casw@casw-acts.ca
Tel.: 613.729.6668