Canada's record of support to families with children has never been exemplary. Compared to other industrialized countries and to this country's proud accomplishments in health care and income support for seniors, Canada's showing in family income and other programs has been poor. The document looks at the perspectives on gender and social responsibility. Topics covered are: introduction and overview; a social responsibility framework; the causes of poverty and vulnerability in Canada; addressing poverty and vulnerability in a post-CHST (Canada Health & Social Transfer) world; and review and assessment of the National Child Benefit and Provincial Programs.

This document defines what is the National Child Benefit through which the government is helping disadvantaged Canadian children and their parents realize a better standard of living by providing them with improved benefits and services. It describes how the National Child Benefit will help and explains why it is investing in Canada's children. It also describes how the initiative is measured and what will be the next step in the commitment.

This document focuses on parents' perceptions of the availability of family-supportive workplace arrangements; their experiences in balancing paid work and family commitments; and their preferences for changes in the workplace that could help them harmonize work and family life.