"Universality has been severely reduced: it is virtually dead as a concept in most areas of public policy"

This quote by Stephen Harper recommends that the principle of universality, or the idea that specific services or advantages must be readily available to all members of society, has actually been mostly abandoned in public law. This could suggest that specific services or benefits are no longer offered to everybody, or that they are just available to certain groups of individuals. This could have a substantial impact on society, as it might cause increased inequality and a lack of access to important services for certain members of society. It might likewise cause a decrease in public trust in government, as people may feel that their requirements are not being taken into account. Eventually, this quote recommends that the concept of universality is no longer a priority in public policy, which this could have a negative influence on society.