Tales from the "Nanny Nation"...

The following is a partial list of grants, benefits, tax credits, supplements, and services paid from public funds, directly or indirectly, to children and youth. It is by no means comprehensive—even for the two levels of government included (Ontario and the Government of Canada) because it does not include municipal expenditures on education and social services, such as school houses (both elementary and secondary); teacher and support workers’ salaries; high school daycare centres; administration cost; etc.

In the days that follow I will publish details on each of these categories. My research—far from definitive—already covers 7 pages, and ranges from the Ontario Child Benefit (an outlay of approximately $4 billion per year) to “Smiles Ontario” (cost unknown), and something called “Nobody’s Perfect” (a financial support service for underage parents.)

In viewing this list, consider that while childless couples and individuals are required to contribute to these programs, through their taxes, they are in no way eligible for any of them. Moreover, as far as I can determine, there is no cost/benefit analysis that would justify any of these expenditures.

1.   Ontario Child Benefit (Ontario)
2.   Eligible Dependant Grant (Ontario)
3.   Education Tax Credit (federal)
4.   Child Care Benefit (Ontario)
5.   Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (Ontario)
6.   Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) (federal)
7.   Ontario Children’s Activity Tax Credit (Ontario)
8.   Children’s Arts Credit (federal)
9.   “Healthy Smiles” Ontario (dental) (Ontario)
10.                Student Nutrition Program (Ontario)
11.                Transit Pass Credit (federal)
12.                “Stepping Stones” (Ontario)
13.                Youth Opportunities (Ontario)
14.                Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Program (Ontario)
15.                Aboriginal Children and Youth (Ontario)
16.                Adoption Tax Credit (federal)
17.                Cadets Program (federal)
18.                Canada Child Tax Benefit (federal)
19.                Canada Education Saving Grant (federal)
20.                Canada Learning Bond (federal)
21.                Canada Pension Plan Children’s Benefits (federal)
22.                Child Disability Benefit (federal)
23.                Employment Insurance Family Supplement (federal)
24.                Employment Insurance Maternity and Paternity Benefits (federal)
25.                Employment Insurance special Benefits for Parents of Critically Ill Children (federal)
26.              Junior Canadian Rangers (federal)
27.                “Nobody’s Perfect” – Support for teen parents) (federal)
28.                Parents of Mudered or Missing Children (federal)
29.                Registered Education Savings Plan (federal)
30.                Basic and Additional Education  Savings Grant

Watch for the full report.