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Workbook 17

Activity 1: Social Programs and Taxation

Get Focused

Think about the last time you or a member of your family was at a doctor's office, medi-centre, or hospital. Perhaps you had a sinus infection, a broken bone, or you were scheduled to have surgery. Did you or your family receive any medical bills for the services you received?

Canada's health care system, also known as Medicare, is a federally-sponsored, publicly-funded system. This means that all health care services are provided to all Canadian residents and citizens based on need rather than the ability to pay. Health care in Canada is paid for by taxes that are collected from Canadians.

How important is Canada's health care system to you, your family, friends, or members of your community? Share your thoughts with a family member.

Health care is considered a social program in Canada because both the provincial and federal governments assist in providing the service to ensure that the needs of all citizens are met. Health care is just one of the social programs available to all residents of Canada.

social program: a government-provided service that promotes the meeting of basic needs and economic equality for all citizens

 Vocabulary

Collect your Issues for Canadians Definitions handout from your Activities folder and add the term social program.

As you complete this activity, you may add to your definition.

Save your updated handout to your Activities folder.

Many social programs such as health care, pensions for senior citizens, and income assistance are dealt with in various ways by governments in Canada and the United States.

In this activity, you will answer this question:

How do social programs differ in Canada and the United States?

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