Every year, the Ontario and Federal government opens pre-budget consultations.
These sessions give stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback to the government on what they would like to see in the next budget. WoodGreen has outlined the following recommendations for the federal and provincial government.
In our pre-budget submission to the Government of Ontario, WoodGreen called on the government to address some of the most critical issues in our community. Our submission demonstrates that with further investment our services can help more people thrive in our community.
Recommendation 1:
The Ontario government should provide additional funding to the Newcomer Settlement Program to support additional occupational English as a second language (ESL) services and bridge training programs providing more targeted training and support to prepare newcomers for the workforce and enhance the Care Economy.
Recommendation 2:
The Ontario government should provide a 5 percent base increase – $150 million annually for three years to strengthen Community Support Services and Independent Living agencies service growth, workforce supports, and digital infrastructure. These essential community support services (i.e. personal support, Meals on Wheels, transportation and other community-based supports) that allow individuals to remain in their homes.
Recommendation 3:
The Ontario government should create a new funding portfolio for operating enhance assisted living and innovative senior housing models, separate from existing funding streams such as home and community care.
Recommendation 4:
The Ontario government should create new funding opportunities for community-based youth justice services, including community-based housing programs, court-based services, and rehabilitation services to those youth aging out of adolescent supports who still require these services at 18 years old. This will reduce recidivism and support these young adults to ensure that they do not fall into homelessness and poverty. There is much evidence that when youth engage with structured and coordinated supports such as case management, mental health and peer support, they show improvements in multiple domains, including housing stability, mental health, education and employment
In our pre-budget submission to the Government of Canada, WoodGreen called on the government to invest in key areas that will support people during the affordability crisis, including affordable housing and employment.
Recommendation 1:
The federal government should extend the Affordable Housing Fund until 2035, providing certainty for non-profit housing developers in their affordable housing pipeline. This fund is one of the few pathways for non-profit developers such as WoodGreen Community Services to build affordable housing and must be extended.
Recommendation 2:
The federal government should create a standardized hybrid financing pathway for partnership projects between non-profits and private housing developers. The hybrid financing model would facilitate the development of mixed-income housing, increasing the supply of affordable units.
Recommendation 3:
The federal government should re-instate the Skills for Success Program, which played a crucial role in addressing critical skills gaps for vulnerable Canadians seeking employment. Many at-risk populations, including older job seekers, still require upskilling, pre-employment supports, and training to thrive in the labour market.