Family Policies in Canada

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Questions and Answers

What transformation in demographics is affecting family structures in Canada?

Rise in single-parent families only

Increase in nuclear family units

Decreasing intergenerational cohabitation

Overall low fertility rates combined with high immigration (correct)

How have LGBTQ families been impacted in the future outlook for families in Canada?

They are increasingly accepted and recognized (correct)

Their rights have been primarily ignored

Their existence is diminishing

They have no rights or recognition

Which of the following is a suggested impact of COVID-19 on carer-employees?

Increased job security due to employer support

Higher likelihood of reduced work performance without support (correct)

Decreased mental health resources available

Whatever support that existed remained unchanged

What is expected to change regarding work-family relationships in the future?

Shift towards a more nurturing and carer-friendly culture Signup and view all the answers

Which family structure is likely to become more common in the future?

Three-generation cohabiting families Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of the individual responsibility family model in family policy?

It reinforces traditional gender roles Signup and view all the answers

Why have labor in the formal economy and household work been viewed as distinct spheres?

Societal norms have historically separated them Signup and view all the answers

How does Quebec’s current family policy impact traditional family structures?

It promotes traditional gender roles Signup and view all the answers

What shift occurred in Canadian family policy from 1988 to 1997?

From monetary incentives to universal policies Signup and view all the answers

What is a key attribute of Quebec's pro-family policies since 1997?

Universal tax credits for families with children Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of assuming that employed parents create the happiest homes?

It overlooks child poverty and its impacts Signup and view all the answers

Which challenge does Canada face in developing a proactive family policy?

Resistance to universal support models Signup and view all the answers

What type of policies did Canada shift towards after 1997?

Universal policies such as low-cost childcare services Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the liberal welfare state in Canada?

It involves government-sponsored programs improving social and economic well-being. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a category of family policy in Canada?

Non-governmental financial advice. Signup and view all the answers

Which family ideology model became prominent in Canada starting the 1980s?

Individual responsibility model of the family. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following policies was established in 1918 to support families in Canada?

Family tax benefits. Signup and view all the answers

The Canada Child Benefit program was introduced in which year?

2016 Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant resolution made in 1989 regarding families in Canada?

To end child poverty. Signup and view all the answers

Which economic situation currently influences family policies in Canada?

Economic uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

What does the provision of direct services in family policies typically include?

Child care and subsidized housing. Signup and view all the answers

What issue does family policy in Canada aim to address?

Ensuring social resource distribution. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was implemented in 2020 as a response to economic challenges?

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Investing in Families and Children-Family Policies in Canada

Family policy is influenced by political environments, globalization, and economic restructuring.
The universal approach vs. the targeted approach to family policies is a key consideration.
Canadian family policies should reflect the changing needs of families throughout their life cycle.
Policies must address current and future family challenges.
The liberal welfare state, originating after WWII, provides government-sponsored programs to improve family and individual well-being, encompassing a range of supports.
These supports include income security payments, social insurance, cash transfers, housing, education, and healthcare.

Family Policies

Social policies aim to distribute social resources and improve well-being.
Family policy is a subset of social policy focusing on family well-being.
Family policies and programs are implemented through legislation or a plan of action.
Family policies are categorized into:
- Laws like marriage, adoption, divorce, child support.
- Policies supporting family income through tax concessions, maternity/paternity leaves.
- Direct services like childcare, homecare, and subsidized housing.
Federal policy in Canada is a collection of services and programs, not a single, coherent family policy, based on family ideology models.
These models include:
- The patriarchal model, often prevalent in the 1980s.
- The individual responsibility model, prevalent since the 1980s.

Chronology of Family Policies and Reforms

Family tax benefits, dating back to the 1918-1993 period, were designed to support individuals with dependents..
Mothers/widow pensions were introduced in 1920.
Old age pensions for low-income individuals became universal in 1951.
Family allowance, starting in 1945, provided monthly payments to mothers with children under 16, later evolving into the Child Tax Benefit (1993).
Unemployment insurance, beginning in 1940, and other benefits were added for maternity leave.
Medicare (1966) expanded access to public hospitals.
Spouses' allowances (1975) targeted low-income pensioners, mostly women.
Resolution to end child poverty (1989) supported by all political parties.
Canada Child tax Benefit (1998), including programs like the Canada Child Benefit Program (2016) are examples of contemporary policies.
Other contemporary policies include those on Indigenous Services (2017), Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) (2020), Subsidized Day Care (2022), and the Dental Care Program (2024).

Family Policies: Challenges and Future

Child poverty may be addressed by comprehensive childcare policy.
Canada faces multifaceted challenges in developing cohesive family policies:
- Shifts in gender identities and sexuality.
- LGBTQ+ family rights.
- Divorce and cohabitation, becoming more common.
- Increased numbers of three-generation families, and cohabiting families.
- High immigration, and Indigenous population growth.
- Advanced reproductive and genetic technologies.
- Changes in global population, climate and AI.
- Work-family relations evolving towards a more nurturing and family-friendly culture.

COVID's Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected care-providing employees.
Employers often struggle to support these workers, leading to reduced work performance and higher absenteeism, particularly among female employees.
The pandemic exposed the need for expanded social inclusion and mental health support measures.

Quebec's Policies

Quebec's family policies are based on social responsibility or social democratic models, focusing on state intervention.
Pronatalist policies (1988-97) emphasized monetary incentives to have children.
Pro-family policies (1997-present) include universal policies for tax credits, low-cost childcare, and universal accessibility to kindergarten.
Quebec has introduced flexible and generous parental leave programs.

Conclusion

Families will continue to exist, albeit with varying degrees of success
Children will likely continue to be raised within family settings, yet, with increasing diversity.

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Description

This quiz explores the key aspects of family policies in Canada, focusing on their evolution in response to societal changes and challenges. It examines the differences between universal and targeted approaches, and the role of the liberal welfare state in supporting families. Test your knowledge on how these policies aim to enhance the well-being of families and children.