Women can work first of all. The only requirement is that parents not receive welfare or else the sponsor has to pay the government back so there is actually pretty minimal financial requirement. PGP recipients have access to healthcare, subsidized medication if over 65, OAS and GIS after 10 yrs, other low senior programs if they make no income, etc. Unless you are paying millions in taxes your taxes are not covering services for you, your spouse, your dependent children and your parents. Taxes in general cover your expenses as well as maybe your spouse and maybe dependent children depending on your tax bracket and how long you'be been in Canada.