In societies committed to improving living standards for all citizens, the term "social inclusion" has received increased attention in recent years. To be included is to be accepted and to be able to participate fully within our families, our communities and our society. Those who are excluded, whether because of poverty, poor health, gender, race, or lack of education or skills, do not have the opportunity for full participation in the economic and social benefits of society.
Anna Diamantopoulou, European Union Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, points out that social inclusion makes good economic sense. Her Commission estimates that social exclusion costs between 12% and 20% of the GDP of the European Union member states. If the Canadian situation is similar, these percentages would translate to Canadian social exclusion costs of $136 to $228 billion annually. The EU regards the fight against social exclusion as a worthwhile investment and has committed 27 billion euros to the Social Fund for the period from 2000-2006.(34)
$113 billion(35) was invested by all levels of government in Canada in the past year on social services, including social assistance and welfare. Inability to locate and maintain suitable and fulfilling learning and work opportunities is a contributing factor for some recipients. Significant savings could accrue if more citizens possessed the skills they need to self-reliantly plan and manage their careers and constructively address change. For example, a modest 1 percent saving on these expenditures would save over $1 billion annually.
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