Marvyn Novick (1940-2016) was a leading thinker and contributor to social policy in Ontario and Canada. He researched and wrote major national reports on child poverty in Canada; conducted a widely cited pioneering study on changing social conditions in Toronto suburbs; addressed issues of employment, civic and community well-being, and the life chances of children; and focused public attention on the need for cross-community alliances to build inclusive communities and on the social responsibilities of government at all levels.

This anthology of Marvyn’s selected writings was compiled by the Marvyn Novick Legacy Group of family, colleagues and friends. It reflects his contributions to social policy and community practice and offers commentaries from many of Marvyn’s colleagues and associates from his five-decade career.

The writings and commentaries are organized into four sections: 1) Cities, Community Services and Civic Alliances; 2) Children, Families and Youth: A Collective Responsibility, 3) Social Protection: Income Security, Decent Work, and Progressive Taxation, and 4) Building a New Canada: Social Inclusion and Civic Solidarity.

The commentaries and reflections point to the impact of his thinking and action throughout his career, on their relevance to the times we live in now, and to the future of social policy and community practice in Canada.