1) Based on the sources covered in class, what do you think is the main cause of

homelessness in Canada? Answer in 50-100 words.

The source said the main cause of homelessness in Canada is the choices the
government has made over the years. To balance the budget, investment in housing and
social and mental health services was cut, resulting in 100,000 fewer housing units and
an increase in homelessness. The report calls for greater investment and leadership at
all levels of government, with a focus on community empowerment, prevention and
housing-first approaches. Maintaining and expanding affordable housing stocks,
introducing national housing allowances, and investing in affordable housing for
indigenous peoples are also recommended. The estimated cost of ending homelessness
is $4.4 billion annually, which is considered a worthwhile investment because it meets
2:1 return and homelessness costs Canada's economy $7 billion annually.

2) After reviewing the evidence covered in class, rank the causes of income inequality in a
table similar to the one below. Be sure to do the following: - Include at least three (3)
causes along with their effects; - Refer to at least three (3) sources and two (2) types of
media; - Write 50-100 words per entry; - Include a Works Cited page in APA style.

Rank Cause Effect

Increasing precarious work, characterized by low wages and

lack of employment protection, contributes to income inequality.
Precarious work is the new normal in Ontario and Canada,
Growth of
1 leaving households financially precarious and vulnerable to
Precarious Work
poverty. It also leads to unpredictable income, making it difficult
for individuals and families to continue meeting basic needs
(Workers Action Centre, 2015).

The concentration of wealth and income in the top 1% of the

population exacerbates income inequality. It creates significant
Concentration of inequalities in access to resources and opportunities, further
2 Wealth and widening income inequality between the wealthiest and the rest.
Income This concentration of wealth hinders social mobility and can
lead to social and economic fragmentation within societies
(Brennan & Stanford, 2013; Freeland, n.d.).
 The shift to business-friendly economic and social policies has
contributed to widening income inequality. These policy
changes have prioritized productivity over worker welfare and
Changes in
reduced access to quality full-time jobs. This trend leads to a
3 Economic and
lack of stable employment opportunities and an increase in low-
Social Policies
paid and precarious work, perpetuating income inequalities
(Brennan & Stanford, 2013; Workers' Action Centre, 2015;
Hanauer, 2012).

The growing power and influence of large corporations in

shaping economic and social policy contributes to income
inequality. Corporate power distributes income upwards,
Power and
exacerbating the concentration of wealth among wealthy elites.
4 Influence of Big
This trend has been influenced by the increasing size and
Business
concentration of large companies in recent decades. This leads
to an unequal income distribution that favors high earners,
increasing income inequality (Brennan & Stanford, 2013).

Declining trade union participation has affected income

inequality. Trade unions help bridge the gender and racial pay
gaps in non-unionized workplaces. They campaign for better
Decline of wages, social benefits and working conditions, ensuring a level
5
Unionization playing field between employees and employers. Income
inequality tends to widen as trade union density declines, as
evidenced by the growing prevalence of low-wage and
precarious jobs (Workers' Action Centre, 2015; Hanauer, 2012).
 Works Cited

(2012). YouTube. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://youtu.be/CKCvf8E7V1g.

(2013). YouTube. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://youtu.be/d6NKdnZvdoo.

Brennan, J., & Stanford, J. (2013, September 26). Growth of inequality in Canada

cannot be denied. thestar.com.

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2013/09/26/growth_of_inequality_i

n_canada_cannot_be_denied.html

Canadian income inequality. The Conference Board of Canada. (n.d.).

https://www.conferenceboard.ca/hcp/caninequality-aspx/

Infographic: Precarious & low-wage employment. Infographic: Precarious & Low-wage

Employment | The Homeless Hub. (n.d.).

https://homelesshub.ca/blog/infographic-precarious-low-wage-employment