Good afternoon.
On behalf of the board of the Canadian Association of Social Workers and our provincial and territorial federation partners, I would like to thank this committee for choosing to hear the perspective and budget priorities of the social worker profession.
First, CASW is tremendously pleased that this new government has demonstrated a commitment to bringing co-operative federalism back to health and social care in Canada. To this end, CASW was pleased that the federal minister responsible for families, children, and social development has chosen to already meet with his provincial and territorial counterparts, a meeting CASW has called for but which has not taken place since 2006.
Finally, we are deeply encouraged by the commitment of this new government to develop a new health accord, and we sincerely hope we will also address “social” in this health accord. This tectonic shift in leadership comes not a moment too soon if we are going to address the growing inequality gap in Canada.
We have three main recommendations.
First, implement a new social care act for Canada. Currently, we cannot determine how federal dollars for social services are being spent, as there is no accountability or measured ties to the Canada social transfer or other social investments. We should not invest more without knowing how we already spend.
A new social care act for Canada proposes principles similar to that of the Canada Health Act to guide the social transfer and other social investments, making possible a national strategy with shared performance indicators and outcomes. The proposed act would help guide the provinces and territories in developing priorities and policies that best fit their unique needs, while helping the federal government understand where dollars are being spent, receive recognition for those investments, and in turn, know where more target investments might be needed. We can't develop good policy without good information.
Our second recommendation is to consider the potential of basic income. CASW welcomes the recent comments by Minister Duclos in noting the merits of basic income. To this end, CASW recommends that the federal government consider developing a targeted basic income. CASW believes it should be targeted initially to provide support to those who are the most economically vulnerable because of age, labour market status, or differing levels of ability, and could build upon existing negative income tax mechanisms. When you make comprehensive upfront investments, you benefit down the line.
CASW cautions that not all basic income models are created equal. The implementation of a basic income should not be cause to eliminate all other social assistance programs and strategies. A basic income would be foundational to a national poverty reduction strategy when simultaneously paired with policies such as a national affordable housing strategy and child care strategy. Compassionate policy is also cost-effective.
Our third recommendation is to support Canada's evolving needs with targeted strategies. We know that Canada's population is aging rapidly, and senior women, in particular, are increasingly economically vulnerable. Health care costs are soaring and demands on the system have shifted from acute to long-term needs.
CASW, in alliance with the Canadian Medical Association, is calling for a multi-year, multi-faceted national seniors strategy with the “Demand a Plan” initiative. Canada's needs are changing.
Canada also needs to better address Canadians' mental health. National public and private campaigns to end the stigma encourage Canadians to seek help, but this must also be accompanied by an equal increase in services to access care. The Mental Health Commission of Canada suggests that funding for mental health should be increased from 7% to 9% of total public health spending. Currently the federal share of provincial-territorial spending is approximately 22%. We recommend this be increased to 25% of total public health care spending.
As well, CASW supports this government reaffirming the renewal mandate of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Canadians are making mental health a priority and we need to follow suit. Mental health infrastructure must also be bolstered to support the social determinants of health. Increasing and investing in the social determinants of health is prevention.
CASW looks forward to working with this government to bring compassionate and cost-effective policies to Canada.
Thank you again. I look forward to answering any questions you may have.