SUFA provides an agreed-to framework through which governments can adjust the content of the social union in response to the changing needs of Canadians. It includes commitments of governments to involve Canadians in the social policy and program development process, to avoid and resolve disputes, to work cooperatively to sustain and strengthen Canada's social policies and programs, and to improve the accountability of governments to Canadians. SUFA was signed February 4, 1999, by the federal government, nine provincial governments, and the two territorial governments. Although Quebec and Nunavut did not sign the Agreement, the federal government has indicated it will adhere to the provisions of the Agreement when dealing with all provincial and territorial governments, including Quebec and Nunavut. The Agreement makes commitments towards health care, social services and social assistance, post-secondary education, training, labour market development and aboriginal peoples. The Social Union Framework Agreement represents a major turning point in Canadian Federalism in that it stands to bring the levels of government more closely together to work more effectively and efficiently in providing for the needs of all Canadians. "Evolving federalism demonstrates that governments cannot work in isolation to deal with peoples needs. The recently negotiated Social Union Framework Agreement with the provinces and territories aims at a more modern relationship between the two levels of government based on principles of partnership that are at the very core of sound public management." .
One of the most important principles of SUFA that represents a major turning point in Canadian federalism is that governments must work together in order to improve the quality of social programs and services in priority areas. Areas such as post secondary education, health, and children's needs.