Social assistance fraud and zero tolerance in Ontario, Canada

Authors

  • Kim Varma Ryerson University
  • Ashley Ward Ryerson University

Keywords:

social assistance fraud, deterrence, resistance

Abstract

Abstract During the 1990s, the social assistance system in Ontario, Canada, underwent enormous changes in policy that included substantial reductions in welfare rates, new rules and restrictions on common-law spousal relationships, work-based welfare reform, and widespread administrative changes. Among these changes was the zero tolerance policy introduced by the Conservative government in April, 1998, banning those convicted of social assistance fraud from receiving any further benefits for life. This policy was repealed in December, 2003, by the newly-elected Liberal government. Despite the perception of widespread social assistance fraud, the present examination of monthly counts of social assistance cases between April, 1998, and March, 2006, reveals that there were far fewer cases of fraud than had been claimed by politicians and the media. A discussion of the sanctioning of social assistance fraud, including deterrence-based theories and the parallel use of administrative and criminal justice sanctions, follows our analyses. We also explore the role of front-line workers in implementing harsh policies such as zero tolerance.

Author Biographies

Kim Varma, Ryerson University

Kim Varma is Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Ryerson University and received her PhD and MA in Criminology at the University of Toronto, Centre of Criminology. Her research examines youth justice policy and the operation of the youth justice system in Canada in terms of decision-making by justice officials and the public. She has authored peer-reviewed articles and chapters on public perceptions of crime and the criminal justice system, youth sentencing, and bail. Along with department colleagues, she is the co-editor of a Canadian Criminal Justice Policy: A Contemporary Reader (Oxford University Press, 2012).

Ashley Ward, Ryerson University

**note** Ashley's bio was in the previous submission. Could this be used? thanks --and sorry for the hassle! Kim

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Published

2014-04-15

How to Cite

Varma, K., & Ward, A. (2014). Social assistance fraud and zero tolerance in Ontario, Canada. Canadian Review of Social Policy Revue Canadienne De Politique Sociale, (70). Retrieved from https://crsp.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/crsp/article/view/37243

Issue

No. 70 (2014)

Section

Articles

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