Most Current Research on Social Change in Canada

Most Current Research on Social Change in Canada

The Philippine Reporter believes that research matters.  Hence, it is publishing information on some of the latest research gems significant to everyone.

These studies are lifted from the SPAR (Social Policy Analysis and Research) Monitor, an inventory of recent social research information relevant to social policy. — Editors

This bulletin is a quick inventory of recent social research information. Its purpose is to promptly disseminate the most current external and internal research relevant to social policy. It is published by City of Toronto’s Social Development, Finance and Administration Division.

The Value of Caregiver Time: Costs of Support and Care for Individuals Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder
by Carolyn Dudley and J.C. Herbert Emery, The School of Public Policy, January 15, 2014.

When a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, the significance of the impact that diagnosis can have on his or her family’s life is incalculable, except in one respect: cost. If that child is severely impacted and requires constant and lifelong supports, then the value of caregiver time required to support that individual is approximately $5.5 million higher than that for someone without autism.

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurological condition estimated to affect as many as one in 88 children

• The annual cost of housing individuals living with ASD, which includes caregiver time, can be $400 per day, amounting to approximately $150,000 a year

• Even where families with ASD dependents have income to pay for some of the required care needed, they face challenges finding available and qualified caregivers

• As families of ASD dependents age or become financially unable to care, it is not obvious how their adult with ASD will be supported other than with the burden falling on the state

For link to the report:
http://www.policyschool.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/research/emery-autism-costs.pdf

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2014 Minimum Wage Advisory Panel

Report and Recommendation to the Minister of Labour, by Professor Anil Verma and five panel members from Ontario Minimum Wage Advisory Panel, January 27, 2014.

The minimum wage has increased 50 per cent in Ontario since 2003, from $6.85 to $10.25 per hour, taking it from one of the lowest in Canada to one of the highest. This report guides our efforts to ensure a fair minimum wage for Ontario’s workers, improve living standards for the most vulnerable and keep businesses competitive.

Some of the recommendations:

• Minimum wages should be revised annually by a percentage equal to the percent change in the Ontario Consumer Price Index

• Minimum wages should be revised annually, and a minimum of four months’ notice of any wage change should be provided

• The Government should undertake a full review of the minimum wage rate and the revision process every five years

• The Government should establish an ongoing research program for data and information gathering and its subsequent analysis to address policy-relevant minimum wage issues

For link to the report:
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pdf/mwap_report.pdf

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Labour Force Survey, December 2013 Statistics Canada, January 10, 2014.

Employment fell by 46,000 in December, the result of declines in full-time work. The unemployment rate rose 0.3 percentage points to 7.2% as more people searched for work. Dampened by the decline in December, employment gains in 2013 amounted to 102,000 or 0.6%. Employment growth averaged 8,500 per month in 2013, compared with 25,900 in 2012.

• Provincially, employment in December declined in Ontario and Alberta, while it increased in British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador

• Nationally, there were fewer people working in educational services, “other services,” agriculture as well as natural resources. At the same time, employment increased in health care and social assistance

• In December, self-employment declined, while there was little change among public sector and private sector employees. Compared with 12 months earlier, all the employment gains were among private sector employees

• Fewer men and women aged 25 to 54 were employed in December, while employment increased among women aged 55 and over

For link to the study:
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/140110/dq140110a-eng.pdf