The Canada Assistance Plan was a cornerstone of Canada's social safety net, but by the mid-1980s, its effectiveness and sustainability were under scrutiny. This report from the Task Force on Program Review examines the plan's operations, its impact on recipients and provinces, and the challenges it faced. It analyzes the financial implications and explores potential reforms to ensure its continued relevance and efficiency in addressing poverty and social needs across the country.

This report is a foundational document for understanding the evolution of social policy in Canada during the latter half of the 20th century. It provides a detailed, if dated, account of the challenges and considerations involved in administering a large-scale social assistance program. The analysis likely offers valuable insights for students of public policy, economics, and Canadian history, serving as a case study in program evaluation and reform.