This book examines the development of Canada's welfare state, various views of social policy, and the contributions of liberal thought to social welfare in Canada. Armitage evaluates what has been gained, and what has been lost, in regard to seven fundamental liberal values: concern for the individual, faith in humanity, equity, equality, community, diversity, and faith in democracy. The result is a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the scope and objectives of redistribution, the role of communities, and the political and ideological context in which policy is created.