8.1 Social Programs and the Needs of the People

• Social programs are programs that are covered by the government 

• different levels of government cover specific programs based on what has been outlined in the Canadian Constitution

• Paid for through taxes

Examples:

• • Health care 

  • Pensions for seniors

  • Income assistance

  • Education

  • Affordable housing

  • Child protection services

  • and many more

Determining if the government should or should not provide a services is based on different economic philosophies that are found in that country/province.

Canada is one of the 33 developing countries that provides universal health care.  This is also known as public health care.  These services are paid for by our income tax.  The federal government distributes the money to each provinces to support the provincial health care system there.  When someone goes to the doctor or receives a services, the provincial government then pays the medical provider.  These fees are based on a fixed value, but may differ province to province.  However, not all services are covered by the government though.  Canada has a two-tiered health care system.  For those who can afford it, there is a secondary tier of care that provides patients with additional, better quality or faster access.  These expenses are paid for by the patients or their health care plans through employment.  

The United States has public/private hybrid health care.  There are certain groups that receive health care based on age and socio-economics.  This doesn't mean that you will necessarily not receive health services.  Instead, you will receive the basic help but will receive a bill in the mail for the services.  Many American people purchase health insurance through work or on their own.  Unfortunately, it is very expensive and many people cannot afford this coverage.  

How are these stories relatable?

How are they similar aside the fact that someone broke their arm and had to go to Emergency?

How are they different?

Record your answer:  In your opinion which scenario benefits citizens the most?  Why?

Canadian Government Responsibilities With Social Programs

• The Canadian Constitution dictates who is responsible for what social programs

• Provinces are in charge of their health care in order to help shape the views, perspectives and needs of those in that province

• Federal government passes the laws of how the federal and provincial governments should carry out their individual responsibilities

American Government Responsibilities With Social Programs

• Both federal and state governments make the laws related to social programs

• How the agency distributes their funds/services is locally decided

• Federal laws outline the principles for which the agency is to follow when developing their programs.

• Social programs are funded by tax money

• Both federal and provincial governments collect tax

• Some money collected by the federal government is transferred to provinces to cover provincial health care and other social programs

On your document record the answers to the questions:

• What do you already know about our tax dollars?

• What do you WANT to know about tax dollars?

• What did you LEARN about each countries tax dollars?

Taxation Model

Tax Evasion

• It is illegal to not pay your taxes

• Canadians report their earnings every year to ensure they are paying the correct amount of income tax

• If you do not report your taxes the government cannot collect the tax you may owe.

• Those who work "under the table" are part of the underground economy.  It can also be called the black market

Respond to these questions:

How does economic decision making about taxes affect the quality of life of individuals?  Based on the flow chart, identify two examples. 

Based on the flow chart on this page, how can tax evasion affect programs and services for everyone?  How might this affect quality of life?

Record your answers

What other examples of the underground economy can you identify?

To what extent does the underground economy affect quality of life for you and others?

Do you believe Health Care should be a Social Program???

On the Google Form, read through the 4 resources and respond to the questions on the form.  At the end of the form you will be asked to write a reflection on the topic.