What are pre-budget consultations?

Right now, the Ontario and federal government are starting to plan for Budget 2025/2026 through hosting consultation sessions.

 

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.

For more information

Contact information

Eric Mariglia

(437) 236-3417

WoodGreen’s Pre-Budget Submission and Call to Action Federal

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.

 

 

 

WoodGreen’s Pre-Budget Submission and Call to Action Provincial

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:
Provide a 5% increase ($63 million reference by Ontario Community Support Association) in base funding to essential community care and community support services such as personal support, Meals on Wheels, transportation, and other community-based supports that allow individuals to remain in their homes. This 5% increase means an additional $533 thousand in 2025 to sustain and expand WoodGreen’s Community Care initiatives for vulnerable clients to access care at home rather than in hospital or long-term care.

 

Recommendation 2:
Provide a 7% ($300 million over 3 years – reference by Addictions and Mental Health Ontario) base funding increase in 2025 towards expanding and sustaining community mental health and addictions services and provide a 5% base funding increase to supportive housing. This 7% increase means an additional $332 thousand to sustain WoodGreen Community Mental Health Programs, such as case management and psychotherapy and an ability to provide support to higher acuity clients with more complex needs. This 5% means $465 thousand to WoodGreen’s supportive housing units and the ability to provide higher quality care.

 

Recommendation 3:
Provide a 10% base funding increase to community developmental services programs for stabilization of service and to address long waiting lists. A 10% means additional $100 thousand towards WoodGreen’s Adult Protective Service Worker (APSW) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) programs and enhanced ability to support neurodivergent children, adults, and their families to live more fulfilling lives in the community; connect to needed services and supports; and attain their social and occupational goals in their journey to belonging.

 

Recommendation 4:
Support refugee claimants to find employment by providing additional funding towards wrap around integrated service models. WoodGreen was a 1-year recipient of the Settlement and Labour Market Integration Services for Asylum Seekers Program to support asylum seekers with settlement and employment. The funding supported 346 asylum seekers to receive services and provided labour market and training support to 234 asylum seekers. By providing asylum claimants with supports for paving career pathways to employment through upskilling and micro-credential programs, WoodGreen can expand services to ensure that asylum seekers can be able to meet Canada’s labour market needs. With Ontario receiving more than 72,000 asylum claimants it is clear further provincial investments must be made to continue to support claimants to find employment opportunities.