The Canadian social model is changing. In recent decades, shifting economic and social pressures and changing political priorities, have led to the restructuring of important social programs. What is the new trajectory in Canadian social policy? How different is the Canadian social model today from that in the past? Have we established a new balance in the roles of the market, families, the voluntary sector and governments in meeting the social needs of Canadians? How sustainable is the current model in fiscal and political terms? What are the implications for the priorities and challenges in the years to come?

QIISP 2012 examines the trajectory of change in social policy over the last 20 years. It places the Canadian trajectory in international perspective, comparing our experience with that of other OECD countries. The aim is to identify the principles underpinning the emerging social model, and the implications for the future agenda in social policy.