Asset building is a promising and emerging area of social policy. Throughout the world, governments, philanthropic, organizations, and charities, are experimenting with this new approach to poverty alleviation.

In Canada, SEDI has led this area of research and practice for the past 10 years. SEDI has published articles and research reports, advised governments on policy change, consulted on program design and delivery, and piloted promising initiatives.   Our goal is to enable all Canadians, regardless of income, to be able to build assets and thrive.

The SEDI policy research team has been active in providing up to date and insightful research into this new area. The publications below are part of SEDI's contribution to this important debate. A book on asset building in Canada, and papers on taxation and social assistance are among SEDI's forthcoming publications in 2006/07.

SEDI is also looking for opportunities to further our early research on new aspects and applications of asset-based policy.   Our current priorities include:

• Discussing asset-based approaches over the lifecourse and exploring options including mutli-purpose life-time accounts that might provide greater flexibility, portability and inclusiveness to Canada's social benefit infrastructure.

• Exploring whether and how asset-based and asset-building interventions might be part of more effective strategies to promote economic and social development for Canada's Aboriginal People.

• Examining asset-based mechanisms to provide greater economic opportunity and inclusion for persons with disabilities or families caring for persons with disabilities.

• Building on the success of our work on the Canada Learning Bond to examine other options for inclusive asset-building to benefit Canada's children.

• Understanding the impact of asset-holding on individual behavior, attitudes and socioeconomic outcomes as well as the interrelationship between individual wealth creation and Canada's economic performance and productivity.