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Entrenched Residualism: Social Assistance and People with Disabilities

Entrenched Residualism: Social Assistance and People with Disabilities. Michael J. Prince Presentation for the “Welfare Reform in Canada: Provincial Social Assistance in Comparative Perspective” Conference Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy

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Entrenched Residualism: Social Assistance and People with Disabilities

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  1. Entrenched Residualism: Social Assistance and People with Disabilities Michael J. Prince Presentation for the “Welfare Reform in Canada: Provincial Social Assistance in Comparative Perspective” Conference Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy University of Regina & University of Saskatchewan October 25, 2013

  2. Disability and People with Disabilities • Long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments • Outcome of interactions with and inactions by social actors and structures • An evolving concept in culture and policy • A hybrid risk with old and new aspects

  3. Entrenched residualism • Social assistance is a first-resort (not last-resort) program for many people with disabilities • Prominent place in the Canadian income security system • In 2010-11, $6.8 billion on SA disability benefit expenditures by provinces • Inadequate benefit amounts in most provinces • Decline in real value by stealth and by cuts over time • Infringes on dignity of applicants and clients

  4. No mere target group of SA • The disabled are the single largest category of recipients on SA caseloads in most provinces today • In 2009, among SA recipients in Canada, 68% had disabilities • In every province, SA is the single largest source of income for low income working-age people with disabilities

  5. On federalism and policy design • Provincial disability-related SA: • shaped by federal support and collaborative federalism between 1930 and 1996 • since end of Canada Assistance Plan, classical federalism and provincial innovations • Three types of policy designs in effect: • Specific categorical disability income program • Distinct component within general SA program • General SA program

  6. Distribution of a double stigma • A subordinate status as an individual who is dependent on state aid, like others on welfare • A spoiled identity as a person with an abnormal mind and or body, unlike others Thus, the image of people with disabilities as the “worthy poor” is doubtful

  7. Reform agenda: key themes • Administrative and governance changes • Employment incentives and support measures • Poverty alleviation and adequacy of benefits

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