Social Policy in Ontario

Welfare in Canada (2023)

Posted on August 1, 2024 in Social Security History

Source: Maytree.com — Authors: Jennefer Laidley, Mohy-Dean Tabbara

Maytree.com – Changing Systems/data-gathering
Last updated: July 2024.  Jennefer Laidley and Mohy-Dean Tabbara

About Welfare in Canada

The Welfare in Canada reports look at the total incomes available to those relying on social assistance (often called “welfare”), taking into account tax credits and other benefits along with social assistance itself. The reports look at four different household types for each province and territory. Established by the Caledon Institute of Social Policy, Welfare in Canada is a continuation of the Welfare Incomes series originally published by the National Council of Welfare, based on the same approach.

This 2023 edition was published in July 2024.

This resource is not intended to help individuals identify what government transfers they could receive. Individuals seeking advice on their eligibility for welfare or financial assistance should contact their local social assistance provider (their province, territory, or municipality).

Download the all-Canada report (PDF)

EXPLORE THE REPORT

Overview

About the report

Methodology

Key features of social assistance

Resources and downloads

Download the all-Canada report

Download the data for all of Canada

Here are four key takeaways from the report:

1. Deep inadequacy: In 2023, welfare incomes remained deeply inadequate. Fifty-five out of 56 (98%) households were in poverty, with 40 of them (71%) living in deep poverty.
2. Federal contribution: Despite the need, the federal government’s support for households receiving social assistance remained minimal.
3. Cost-of-living impact: The expiration of temporary cost-of-living-related payments in 2023 negatively affected households.
4. Growing gap: Income support investments varied across jurisdictions. Some made improvements, while others lagged.

 

Welfare in Canada

For the number of recipients of social assistance (welfare payments) in each province and territory, visit the Social Assistance Summaries report.

 

Tags: disabilities, jurisdiction, participation, poverty, standard of living

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