Canada to share its vision on policies that benefit the middle class and those working hard to join it as it hosts the first OECD Social Policy Forum held outside Paris

May 12, 2018                Gatineau, Quebec

The Canadian Government is committed to creating a growing economy that leaves no one behind. Canada’s effort to advance innovative social policies that help the middle class and those working hard to join it, including the Canada Child Benefit and the National Housing Strategy, is attracting international attention. For the first time ever, the OECD is convening Social Policy Ministers outside of Paris to explore the future of progressive public policy.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, on behalf of the Government of Canada, is pleased to host and chair the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Social Policy Forum and Ministerial Meeting in Montréal, Canada, on May 14–15, 2018.

Along with the OECD Secretary General Angel Gurría and vice-chairs from Sweden, Portugal and Greece, Minister Duclos will welcome social policy ministers and representatives from over 35 OECD and partner countries. Together they will discuss and share views on their countries’ challenges and accomplishments in social protection to ensure everyone can fully participate in society. The theme for this event is Social Policy for Shared Prosperity: Embracing the Future.

As a leader in social policy, the Government of Canada has the responsibility and pleasure of hosting such an important discussion. It is clear that the challenges of some are the challenges of many. By sharing through whole-of-government approaches and partnership with all OECD countries, the Forum and Ministerial Meeting allow for the best opportunity to learn from one and other, share best practices and move social policies that provide support to all citizens, including those who are more vulnerable.

On May 14, the Social Policy Forum will bring together over 300 participants, including ministers responsible for social policy, and Canadian and international representatives from the business sector, trade unions, academia and civil society. Together, they will examine how rapidly changing economic and social environments present both challenges and opportunities for the design and implementation of social policy.  This means developing social policies that promote diversity, social inclusion and equality. By sharing best practices, delegates from around the world will be better equipped to ensure everyone, including people from vulnerable groups, like youth, people with disabilities, seniors, Indigenous people, people from the LGBTQ2 community and women have a real and fair chance to succeed.

On May 15, ministers from the 35 OECD countries will meet to discuss how they can work together to ensure everyone, including people from vulnerable groups, like youth, people with disabilities, seniors, Indigenous people, people from the LGBTQ2 community and women have a real and fair chance to succeed. The Ministerial Meeting plays a key role in guiding future OECD work on social policy and helps governments lay a foundation for inclusive societies with growth that benefits everyone.

Governments face immense economic and social opportunities and challenges caused by technological changes, globalization and population aging. In this context, the Forum and Ministerial Meeting represent an important opportunity for all levels of government, businesses, civil society and citizens to work collaboratively to provide a better future for all.

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