ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors examine different policies that affect the lives of Canadians and older people. They discuss the ways in which social workers play a role in social policy development, revision, and implementation. Social policy is primarily concerned with how society meets human needs for security, education, work, health, and well-being. The authors explain human rights, equity, social inclusion, and citizenship as integral social work values that should underpin aging policies, rather than an exclusive focus on prioritizing and meeting needs. They present the case study of a Joseph. Joseph is a white cis-gendered male in his late 20s. He works at a geriatric rehabilitation centre, where for the last two years he has been responsible for discharge planning for outgoing clients. In 2017, the Government of Canada adopted the first National Housing Strategy, which is a 10-year $40-billion plan that will “give more Canadians a place to call home”.
