Women and the Canada Health and Social Transfer: Ensuring Gender Equality in Federal Welfare Reform

This article addresses the repeal of the Canada Assistance Plan under Canada's 1995 Budget Act and the establishment of the Canada Health and Social Transfer (CHST) policy in its place. The author argues that CHST is a step backwards for women as it replaces a federal funding scheme based on need with one that allows provinces greater flexibility in allocating resources to welfare programs. The article begins by analyzing why federally-funded social programs are necessary to protect women's interests. It then examines the protection of women's interests guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and international human rights treaties. The author concludes by recommending a set of conditions for the federal government to apply to provincial welfare programs funded through CHST. [Descriptors: Social and Economic Rights, Canada]