Social Welfare in Canada, 4th Edition: Inclusion, Equity, and Social Justice

by Steven Hick, Jackie Stokes

The ?social safety net? created in Canada after World War II faced serious challenges from the early 1980s onwards. Neoliberal economic policies pursued by successive federal and provincial governments left many groups of people ? especially those in precarious work, women, racialized minorities, older individuals and Indigenous communities ? highly vulnerable and seriously under-protected. Social justice and full equality can come about only if systemic barriers such as these are acknowledged and completely eliminated. About This Edition This edition focuses on the transformative social policies and universal programs that are needed to promote personal and social well-being and ensure full equality of opportunity for all. Social workers at home and abroad are committed to building inclusive communities, promoting participatory democracy, fighting racism, and actively addressing the problems of economic sustainability, and climate change. The social work profession provides an excellent opportunity to join with health care professionals and others to bring about the fundamental changes necessary to ensure full inclusion, equity and social justice, and a safer and prosperous future.

Genres: Social Work, Nonfiction

544 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