Introduction: Since the advent of confederation, welfare and social assistance have been a practice used to benefit the less fortunate. In previous centuries, as in the 17th century, social assistance was used mainly to assist the elderly and the sick; the money would most often come from churches. (Paul) Welfare is the government's provision of financial assistance to needy people. (Paul) At one point, public begging was legal, until it was later banned from city streets, both beggars and vendors could be fined if caught by law enforcement. (Paul) Since poverty cannot be completely abolished, in 1688 legislators met to come up with an idea that would allow them to assist the unfortunate and prevent starvation. Programs were put in place that would help able-bodied workers find work; these types of programs still exist today. (Paul) As the nineteenth century progressed, social reforms for children came into action and in 1870 child labor was outlawed for those under the age of twelve. Furthermore, all provinces except Quebec required children to attend school. In 1895 the Children's Aid Society was founded. (Paul) With the progress of the economy, the collapse of the economy and the reconstruction, welfare has seen many changes over the years. However, despite all the changes, it has still managed to remain a consistent factor that benefits Canada's social and economic systems. (Cassola) Welfare and social services help promote equality across Canada. They provide us with free education, nurturing the minds of tomorrow. (Feeding Minds) Free healthcare, helps keep our population from suffering. Finally, the large number of assistance programs help prevent people from facing a life of...... half of paper ......,Carlo, J. “Education-Treatment For Poverty” August 17, 2001. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/17393/1/ar650123.pdfIssit, Micha L., Flynn. Points of view of “welfare”. P1-1, 1P. October 13, 2011. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pwh&AN=23397959&site=pov-liveMarshall, Katharine. “Perspectives on Work and Income: The Busy Lives of Teens” Vol 8. No 5. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/75-001-x/10507/9635-eng.htmSarlo, Chris. “Measuring Poverty in Canada.” July 23, 2001. http://fraserinstitute.org/research-news/display.aspx?id=13212Taylor, Mark. “Canadian Health Care: Pros and Cons” 2006. Http:://fraserinstitute.orgWitherbee, Amy, Wagner, Geraldine. “Welfare is the best way to eliminate poverty.” Points of view. October 20, 2011. http://web.ebscohost.com/pov/detail?sid=aabe48bd-11f9-46bb-b998-d2aaed4867b5%40sessionmgr110&vid=8&hid=7