Both historical and contemporary features of Canadian social welfare are explored in this wide-ranging and in-depth collection. Social Fabric or Patchwork Quilt explores the evolution of the Canadian social welfare state from a system based upon voluntarism and philanthropy to one in which the State's involvement has increased considerably. It also shows how the roles of governments at all levels have changed in recent times.

Chapters describe the developing Canadian welfare state from Confederation to the present. Beginning with an integrative framework in the general introduction, the selected essays represent many perspectives: chronological, regional, multidisciplinary and ideological. An important feature of this collection is the consideration of providers and recipients. Such wide-ranging outlooks are possible given the diverse backgrounds of contributors, which include historians, sociologists, social workers, public policy experts and political scientists. As well as historical and sociological studies, topics include key programs (discussed in detail), the quality of services received by principal target groups, new directions in research; some contributions even revisit foundational older works and key government documents.

Raymond B. Blake is Professor of History at the University of Regina and formerly Director of the Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy. His books include Trajectories of Rural Life: New Perspectives on Rural Canada, co-edited with Andrew Nurse (2003), and Canadians at Last: Canada Integrates Newfoundland as a Province (1994 and 2004).

Raymond B. Blake's profile page

Jeffrey A. Keshen is Professor of History at the University of Ottawa. His many publications include Saints, Soldiers and Sinners: Canada's Second World War (2004) and Propaganda and Censorship during Canada's Great War (1996). He is also the winner of the University of Ottawa Excellence in Education Award.

Jeffrey Keshen's profile page