[daveguy]

I think the article confuses "austerity" with lack of social programs. Canada has a huge safety net compared to the US:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_programs_in_Canada

Essentially all the "warning conditions" that come out of austerity are also require a serious lack of safety net. Lack of savings, difficulty of childcare and healthcare, etc.

[forinti]

Usually austerity means cuts to social programs and the consequences depend on the country's starting position.