Canada Inspires Scandinavian Policy Rethink – New Canadian Media – NCM

Looking at the Canadian model from the Nordic perspective, an interesting paper and interview with a European academic currently at Bishop’s University. Most interesting point for me:

Q: You found in your study that Canada has managed to reconcile important welfare state objectives with increased immigration and diversity? Could you please explain?

A: The notion that there is a potential trade-off between a more open and accommodating approach to immigration and the maintenance of a robust welfare state has been increasingly expressed in many European countries.

However, Canada has managed to reconcile important welfare state objectives and principles with increased immigration and diversity.  Although not as comprehensive and generous as the Scandinavian welfare states, the Canadian social security system includes unemployment insurance, child tax credits, universal childcare benefits, medicare, the Canada Pension Plan, old age security, and social assistance. In contrast to many other countries, Canada has not actively sought to fence off the welfare state from newcomers.

Further, public attitudes in Canada reveal little tension between ethnic diversity and support for social programs. In fact, the welfare state and multiculturalism are for many Canadians the two most important ingredients in the Canadian identity, i.e. what it means to be Canadian.

Canada Inspires Scandinavian Policy Rethink – New Canadian Media – NCM.