Conference to examine Canada's changing social landscape

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - Evolving social issues will be the focus of discussions at a two-day conference called "New Century, New Risks: Challenges for Social Development in Canada," co-hosted by Social Development Canada and the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada on November 18 and 19. The Honourable Ken Dryden, Minister of Social Development, will be making closing remarks on November 19.

Canada's aging population, ever-evolving labour market, diverse population and changing family structure are some of the new social pressures facing our country today, according to leading national and international social policy experts.

"This major social policy conference will provide a forum for social policy experts from Canada, the United States and Europe to share ideas, best practices and lessons learned which will help shape social development in Canada," said Dr Antonia Maioni, Director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada.

Conference participants will be able to debate social challenges and social policy directions through panel discussions and breakout sessions. Questions that will shape the content of these sessions include:

• What are the new social risks facing Canadians?
• What are some of the emerging directions in social policy for the 21st century?
• How are governments responding to new risks and how do we measure their progress?
• Who should be engaged in implementing practical responses to social problems?

Participants will include social science researchers, policymakers, social policy stakeholders, members of the voluntary sector and the social economy, and concerned citizens.

This conference marks an important highlight in the 10th anniversary activities of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada. Over the past decade, the Institute has emerged as a significant neutral, bilingual and effective meeting ground that brings together a wide range of voices and ideas in exploring major issues affecting the lives and well-being of Canadians.

Social Development Canada, created in December 2003, is built on strong social programs such as the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and the National Child Benefit. The Department's programs are evolving to respond to the new social development needs of Canadians, which include helping families give their children the best possible start in life, providing income support when needed to persons with disabilities and to seniors, helping family caregivers better balance their various responsibilities, and enhancing the voluntary sector's ability to improve quality of life in communities throughout the country.

Sarah Bain, Minister Dryden's Office, tel.: 613-941-0766