In this paper, we investigate the relationship between the substantial changes in tax and transfer programs and the movements in after-tax income inequality over the 1980s and 1990s. We show that in the 1980s, tax and transfer programs became more redistributive, offsetting substantial increases...

The recent report of the Expert Panel on Older Workers provided an important focus on retirement income policy. We comment here on the Panel's recommendations that aim to support continued work by older Canadians. We find that the focus on removing barriers to continued work is well-motivated,...

Considerable concern has recently been expressed worldwide about growing income inequality. Much of the discussion, though, has been in general terms and focused on the US experience. To understand whether and how Canada ought to respond to this development, we need to be clear on the facts....

This paper examines the incentives for retirement imposed by Canada's public pension system. A series of simulations clearly illustrate the various components of the pension system that create incentives and disincentives among older Canadians for continued work. We find the largest work...

In this article, I extend the analysis of head-count measures of income and consumption poverty to all currently available microdata. Along with standard measures, I implement a relative poverty indicator using the well-being of working age families as a benchmark. I find that poverty among...