1. SOCIAL CHANGES
1980-TODAY

2. DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES
Falling Birth-Rate: women give birth much later in life, and they have less babies.
Rising number of seniors: the baby-boomers are becoming seniors (over 65 years old) and therefore the population is aging (average age of Canadians is much older)

3. What problem does this trend create for the labour market?

4. What impact does the aging population have on the healthcare system and government spending?

5. WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT DOING TO TRY TO INCREASE THE BIRTH RATE. (p

6. DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES
Increased immigration: Since the 1990s, over 800,000 immigrants arrived to Canada, revitalizing the labour force and helping to offset the effects of the falling birth rate
Growing population amongst Indigenous peoples: The birth rate among indigenous people is the highest in Canada. Over 46% of Indigenous people in Canada are under the age of 25.

7. Integration of Immigrants
As of 1991, the provinces are responsible for integrating immigrants.
Religious neutrality has become a contentious issue in Quebec, as religious communities ask for “reasonable accommodations”.
Many public debates are held over the place of religious symbols in public. (schools, hospitals, airports, etc).

8. Towards Gender Equality
1988: Abortion completely legalized
1989: Family Patrimony Act: in case of divorce, all assets are spilt 50/50
1997: Pay Equity Act: businesses have to pay men and women equal wages for jobs of equal value (still not 100% of businesses do).
1997: Creation of CPE: affordable child- care/daycare centers funded by the government

9. Review Questions
What connection can be made between the falling birth rate and the number of immigrants welcomed into Canada after 1980?
In your opinion, what is a “reasonable accommodation?”
Read p. 322 in your textbook and compare the life expectancy of indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians.
What do you think can explain this disparity?