Exploring the Constitutional Limits to Workfare and Learnfare

In recent times, there has been growing interest in the concepts of mandatory work and training programs for social assistance recipients. In this article, the author examines the social policy arguments for and against such programs. He also analyzes them from the perspective of the Charter of Rights. He concludes that mandatory work and training programs may be subject to legal challenge under the Charter of Rights unless participation is voluntary or the programs are carefully designed.