Last week, Pillar Nonprofit Network made a written submission for the pre-budget consultation in advance of the upcoming federal budget. In alignment with policy priorities identified by our members, Pillar’s strategic plan, and the federal advocacy of Imagine Canada, we advanced five key recommendations:
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Invest in organizations that deliver community services and government priorities;
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Make regulatory changes that likewise increase the capacity of social purpose organizations;
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Accelerate and expand anti-oppression work, including reconciliation with Indigenous peoples;
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Invest fully in a social impact sector ethical data strategy; and
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Establish a permanent, effective, and accountable home in government for the social impact sector.
In our submission, we stressed that the social impact sector shares many of the same goals and ambitions as the government, as evidenced by our alignment with Canada’s commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals; that we are the knowledge keepers for our communities, pillars of Canada’s social infrastructure; and that we are economic drivers in our own right, a critical part of the future of work in Canada and a just and equitable transition.
Citing new data from CanadaHelps and Ipsos indicating that 26% of Canadians may soon need charitable services just to meet basic needs, we also noted our support for upstream solutions and direct investment in people facing the steepest barriers to well-being, including measures like a national, universal, public single-payer pharmacare program; a national livable income; and a national disability benefit.
In sum, we reminded the Finance Committee that a government’s priorities are found in its budget and that, with sustained and sustainable investment, the social impact sector is a ready partner in confronting current crises of health, inequality, and anti-democratic threats to our democracy and community wellbeing.
Read the full submission here.