Introduction:Since the creation of Confederation, social assistance and social assistance have been a practice used for the benefit of the less fortunate. In previous centuries, such as the 17th, welfare was primarily used to help the elderly and the sick; money would come more often from churches. (Paul) Welfare is the government's provision of economic assistance to people in need. (Paul) At one time public begging was legal, until it was later banned on city streets, beggars and panhandlers could be fined if caught by the law enforcement officers. (Paul) Since poverty cannot be completely abolished, in 1688 legislators came together to propose an idea that would help the unfortunate and prevent hunger. Programs were implemented to help capable workers find employment; these types of programs still exist today. (Paul) As the 19th century progressed, social reforms benefiting children came into effect and by the 1870s, labor by children under the age of twelve was banned. Additionally, all provinces except Quebec required children to attend school. In 1895, the Children's Aid Society was founded. (Paul) With the economy rising, the economy falling, and rebuilding, welfare has seen many changes over the years. However, despite all the changes, it has managed to remain a constant factor that benefits Canadian social and economic systems. (Cassola) Social assistance and social services help promote equality across Canada. They provide us with free education, nourishing the minds of tomorrow. (Feeding Minds) Free healthcare helps prevent our people from suffering. Finally, the large number of assistance programs help prevent people from facing a life of poverty...... middle of paper ......, Carlo, J. "Education-Treatment For Poverty" August 17, 2001. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/17393/1/ar650123.pdf Issit, Micha L., Flynn. “Well-being” points of view. P1-1, 1P. October 13, 2011. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pwh&AN=23397959&site=pov-live Marshall, Katharine. “Perspectives on Employment and Income – The Busy Lives of Teenagers,” 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=13212 Taylor, Mark. “Health Care in Canada: Advantages and Disadvantages”, 2006. Http:://fraserinstitute.orgWitherbee, Amy, Wagner, Geraldine. “Welfare is the best way to end poverty.” Viewpoints. October 20, 2011. http://web.ebscohost.com/pov/detail?sid=aabe48bd-11f9-46bb-b998-d2aaed4867b5%40sessionmgr110&vid=8&hid=7