Canadian provinces have much more independence than US states. They are virtually mini-countries (although not so mini as most are larger than any country in Europe). We have a federal system in Canada - National, provincial, municipal but large urban areas also have regional governments. Medical care is universal and free in Canada but in some provinces you must pay monthly premiums (still very low - about $35 per person but free if you are below a certain income level). There is no charge to go to a hospital or see a doctor. I'm not sure about disability pensions - most workers have supplementary insurance through their companies which would provide 75% of lost income and this is not taxable hence it's equivalent to full income replacement. For those who don't have this arrangement, the government would take care of them but I'm not sure how much they would receive per month - it is a combination of housing allowance plus monthly stipend.