I am not thinking from a position of privilege. I am thinking from a position of personal responsibility. If one's husband passes away, there are funds sent monthly from his CPP that would fill the same gap that support is normally meant to fill.

Again, I stated before, for short term issues like lay-offs or the need to re-train, I am all for temporary programs to help people get on their own feet in a more stable position.

If you have 3 kids and your deadbeat husband left and does not pay support, and you're not qualified to bring in an adequate income and have no interest in re-training, then my suggestion would be to open a home daycare. No daycare fees for your children, and you can make a half decent living for your family. Problem solved.