Canadian Social Policy

Social policy encompasses the laws, programs, institutions, and public services intended to support the wellbeing of individuals and communities. In Canada, responsibility for social programs is distributed among federal, provincial and territorial, municipal, Indigenous, and community organizations.

Health and Mental Health

Canada’s health and mental health systems involve a combination of publicly funded services, community organizations, private practitioners, and other service providers. Access and eligibility vary considerably between provinces and territories.

Mental health policy increasingly intersects with issues such as accessibility, disability, employment, education, housing, and community participation.

Disability and Accessibility

Disability policy in Canada includes income supports, tax measures, accessibility legislation, employment initiatives, education supports, health services, and community-based programs.

The experiences of people with disabilities are also shaped by broader questions of inclusion, accessibility, accommodation, and participation in Canadian society.

Children, Families and Education

Policies affecting children and families span numerous areas, including education, child care, health care, disability services, income support, child welfare, and mental health services.

Schools and post-secondary institutions also play an important role in identifying and supporting learning, developmental, psychological, and accessibility needs.

Employment and Income Security

Employment policy intersects with disability, mental health, workplace accommodation, workers’ compensation, income support, and vocational rehabilitation.

Federal and provincial programs provide different forms of financial and employment-related support, with eligibility and availability varying by jurisdiction.

Community and Social Services

Much of Canada’s social-support system operates at the community level. Non-profit organizations, social workers, psychologists, counsellors, health professionals, educators, and other service providers help individuals and families navigate challenges that may not be addressed by any single government program.

Continuing Resources

Social Policy Canada is being redeveloped as an independent informational resource. Additional material will be added concerning Canadian social programs, mental health and disability, social services, research, and community resources.