8: Social Programs and Taxation Flashcards
What is a social program?
Services provided by government to reduce economic inequalities and promote the well-being of citizens
Social programs often include healthcare, education, and welfare services.
What are the potential costs of medical services mentioned?
X-rays can cost hundreds of dollars, and some medical procedures can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars
Examples include surgeries and cancer treatments.
Who ultimately pays for public health care in Canada?
Citizens pay for public health care through taxes
The government uses these taxes to fund health care services.
What is the relationship between taxes and social programs?
Taxes are used by the government to fund social programs that benefit citizens
This includes healthcare and other public services.
What underlying values are explored in the chapter regarding economic policies?
Values related to social programs and taxation in Canada and the U.S.
These values reflect societal beliefs about welfare and economic support.
What should Canadians consider regarding social programs and taxation?
How political and economic decision-making can affect people’s quality of life
This includes understanding the impact of policies on society.
What are the focus questions of the chapter?
- How do decisions about social programs and taxation in Canada and the U.S. meet the needs of citizens?
- What values shape the economic policies of political parties on social programs and taxation?
These questions guide the exploration of the chapter’s themes.
Fill in the blank: Social programs like health care are _______ - but not really.
free
This statement highlights the misconception that public services do not have costs associated with them.
True or False: The quality of life is unaffected by government decisions on taxation and social programs.
False
Government decisions directly influence the quality of life for citizens.
How do decisions on taxation reflect societal values?
They can indicate what people believe is important for the welfare of all citizens
This includes prioritizing education, health care, and social services.
What is the role of food banks?
Food banks counter the effects of poverty
They receive support from voluntary donations and government assistance.
What type of support do some people in Canada and the U.S. receive?
Income support paid for by taxes
This support is aimed at helping those in need.
How many people are homeless in Canada?
Thousands
This highlights the ongoing issue of homelessness in the country.
What type of support do governments in Canada and the U.S. provide?
Support to people in distress or those who cannot meet their basic needs
This includes various forms of assistance for vulnerable populations.
What challenges do some senior citizens face?
They are retired or unable to earn income due to health or other reasons
This can affect their financial stability.
How do Canada and the U.S. differ in their support for senior citizens?
They have different positions on supporting senior citizens
These differences can influence the level of assistance available.
What is the primary focus of the section about social programs in Canada and the U.S.?
Decisions about social programs and taxation in Canada and the U.S. and how they meet the needs of citizens.
The section includes comparisons of health care policies, articles on differing views about health care, and information on taxation.
What types of materials are included in this section to illustrate social programs?
A comic, charts comparing policies, articles presenting views about health care, and information about taxation.
These materials help to visualize and understand the differences in social programs.
What should readers consider while exploring social programs in Canada and the U.S.?
Why social programs differ and why policies about social programs and taxation are linked.
This helps in understanding the underlying reasons for differences in social policies.
Define ‘values’ in the context of social programs.
Beliefs about what’s important, influencing opinions and decisions about quality of life issues.
Values can include democracy, respect, accountability, and peace.
What factors can influence an individual’s values?
Family, school, religion, media, and life experiences.
These influences can lead to changes in values over time.
How do shared values impact society, such as in Canada?
They shape laws and social programs.
Shared values create a foundation for societal norms and policies.
What is the significance of the photographs mentioned in the text?
They communicate societal values.
The photographs reflect public sentiments and values regarding crime and child welfare.
What proposal did Liberal leader Stéphane Dion make on March 14, 2007?
To fight crime by providing more money to hire police officers.
This reflects a value placed on safety and security within the community.