Social Welfare in Canada: Understanding Income Security

by Steven Hick

Widely used in introductory social work and social service worker programs across Canada, Social Welfare in Canada provides an introduction to the key concepts and contemporary issues. This book is intended for students currently studying social work, for those who may be thinking of entering the social services as a career, and for allied professionals seeking a basic understanding of the field. This is a uniquely Canadian text reflects Canadian values and experience. Social Welfare in Canada provides an overview of the income security system in Canada, its development, programs, and the major policy debates. It is intended for those seeking an understanding of the many income security programs and policies, how they fit together, and how they work (or fail to work) in practice. This volume on income security is a companion to Social Work in Canada (also by Steven Hick), which focuses on the social services side of the Canadian welfare system. Together, the two books provide a comprehensive survey of the two components of the welfare system, the wide-ranging policy debates taking place over the role that the welfare system should play, and the many challenges facing it today.

Genres: Social Work, Nonfiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2002

About the author

Steven Hick is a mindfulness and meditation teacher with a lifelong commitment to inner transformation and compassionate action. A former professor of social work and a trainer of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teachers, he brings over 40 years of contemplative practice and more than two decades of teaching experience to his work. His approach is grounded, accessible, and infused with both wisdom and warmth.

Steven’s path into meditation began in his twenties, during a period of struggle with anxiety, autism, and dyslexia. These early challenges shaped his understanding of suffering and the healing power of awareness. Since then, he has taught mindfulness to a wide range of communities—including combat veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and First Nations communities—while honoring cultural and spiritual diversity.

He is the founder of the Ottawa Insight Meditation Community and MBSR Ottawa, and the author of several books on social work and mindfulness in professional practice. He also shares teachings through his YouTube channel and Substack newsletter.

Steven currently divides his time between Ottawa, Sackville (NB), and Calgary, where he enjoys being a father and grandfather. His teachings invite us to meet life as it is—with clarity, compassion, and presence.

Reviews

[Bruce]

I designed the second edition of this book in late 2006/early 2007, with the brief of presenting the basics in a clearer and more accessible manner than the other texts in the same area. The initial cover design was inspired by the works of Piet Mondrian, as a study in the compartmentalizations that clients of social welfare systems need to navigate for survival & growth.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

very introductory textbook that I read on my own time. Learned almost all of the information in high school and first year social work university courses