Chapter 8: Taxes and Social Programs -Two things are certain: Death and Taxes. But must citizens be taxed, and if so, how much, and what should be done with the money collected? -People put their money where their mouths are: many say they want to help others and have an equal society, but equality can be expensive. How much are people willing to pay to get the society they want?

To What Extent Should Canadians Support Social Programs AND Taxation? -Question to focus on: could almost be restated as “Programs OR Taxation”. You will start to think about the cost to you vs. the cost to society. -Also look at what the political party platforms are, and which comes closest to your thinking -Compare between the U.S. and Canada

To What Extent Should Canadians Support Social Programs ORTaxation? -Question to focus on: could almost be restated as “Programs OR Taxation”. You will start to think about the cost to you vs. the cost to society. -Also look at what the political party platforms are, and which comes closest to your thinking -Compare between the U.S. and Canada

Try to generate questions, and ONLY questions, about the images that you see on the following slides

-Cost of procedures: X-Rays cost hundreds, cancer treatment hundreds of thousands

-work in a food bank, supported through donations and support from the government

-Senior citizens no longer have earned income, and rely on savings to support them. The government also provides support

-The government works to provide assistance to those who live in extreme circumstances

What might be some things that these images have in common?

TAXATION AND SOCIAL PROGRAMS IN CANADA AND THE U.S.

Social programs are services provided by government and paid for by taxes. EDUCATION HEALTH CARE PENSIONS EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES AFFORDABLE HOUSING INCOME ASSISTANCE

Why do governments provide social programs?

What would be some consequences to society if governments did not offer social programs?

How do the economic philosophies and values of Canada and the U. S How do the economic philosophies and values of Canada and the U.S. reflect their social programs? “Peace, order and good government” “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”

COMPARISON OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS IN CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES

PENSIONS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS CANADA UNITED STATES At age 65, all citizens who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years, automatically qualify for a pension, paid for by taxes - Old Age Security Act. Seniors generally support themselves through personal savings and pension plans.

INCOME ASSISTANCE CANADA UNITED STATES Citizens unable to meet basic needs receive assistance paid for by taxes from federal and provincial governments. The provinces set critieria for eligibility. The Social Security Act provides funds (from taxes) for those who cannot meet their basic needs. The federal and state governments set criteria for eligibility.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CANADA UNITED STATES Called employment insurance. 80% of initial applicants are approved, and payments are 55% of a person’s salary up to a set limit Is a mostly a state responsibility. The majority of workers in the U.S. are not eligible for UI, and the payments are set at 36% of a worker’s salary

HEALTH CARE CANADA UNITED STATES Public Health Care - All citizens receive basic health care paid for by taxes. The Canada Health Act is a federal law that sets out the principles for health care in Canada. Private Health Care - Americans pay for health care or health insurance, but it can be expensive. (over 15% of Americans do not have health insurance) Medicare - federal insurance for seniors Medicaid - Social Security Act provides medical care for low income people who meet certain requirements - Many groups of people are covered by Medicaid. Even within these groups, though, certain requirements must be met. These may include your age, whether you are pregnant, disabled, blind, or aged; your income and resources (like bank accounts, real property, or other items that can be sold for cash); and whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant.

The Canada Health Act outlines five principles for health care in Canada: PUBLICLY ADMINISTERED COMPREHENSIVE UNIVERSAL PORTABLE ACCESSIBLE

The following cartoons illustrate some of the problems faced by one or both health care systems. What message do you think the artist is trying to share with readers?

How are these people important to social programs in Canada? Daniel Paille

The Economic Continuum Planned economy Mixed Economy Market Economy More government involvement Less government involvement

The Economic Continuum Planned economy Mixed Economy Market Economy More government involvement Less government involvement