Special Statements

In the 2026 Federal Pre-Budget Submission, United Way Greater Toronto calls attention to the critical role of the community services sector in driving workforce participation, housing stability, and inclusive growth and calls on government to leverage federal investments to build inclusive workforce pathways, and to invest in skills, youth employment, and affordable housing.

In the 2026 provincial budget, United Way Greater Toronto urges government to take measures that ensure financial stability, access to affordable homes, and critical community services are prioritized to reduce poverty.

United Way Anchor Agency TNG Community Group advocates for action to curb the growing unemployment rate for Summer 2026.

Meaningfully addressing poverty in Ontario requires bold leadership. The Ontario Government can substantially reduce poverty across the province through measures that ensure financial stability, access to safe, accessible and affordable homes, and critical community services that help people thrive.

Ontario is at a critical point. Housing need is rising, homelessness is growing, federal investment is starting to move but new home construction is slowing in Ontario. Decisions made now will set the course for years. The legislative changes to the Residential Tenancies Act in Schedule 12 of Bill 60, move policy in the wrong direction and will serve to escalate the homelessness crisis across Ontario. The focus should be on keeping people housed while new supply comes online.

In the 2025 provincial budget, United Way Greater Toronto urges government to act on policy solutions that ensure Ontarians have access to the basic building blocks of a good life, supporting a stronger, more resilient Ontario.

At United Way, we know that the equitable neighbourhoods and communities we work towards are only achievable if people are able to enjoy financial stability along with housing stability, access to services and opportunities to engage in shaping their communities.

On May 29th, United Way Greater Toronto, Sheridan College, Mississauga Board of Trade and the Metamorphosis Network will host leading mayoral candidates for a debate on the critical social and economic challenges facing Mississauga.

As the Government of Ontario outlines its budget priorities for the coming year, Ontario United Ways are calling for investment in, and engagement of, the non-profit sector to deliver the full range of housing options, particularly the affordable and deeply affordable homes, so desperately needed in this province.

I have seen firsthand the difference community services can make. And if we, as a society, do not invest in their ongoing ability to support people through life’s challenges, we may all come to understand the difference their absence can make.

United Way Greater Toronto has again been recognized as an Ontario Living Wage Employer. 

United Way Greater Toronto makes recommendations to the Government of Ontario on portable benefits policy to mitigate the impact of precarious employment on the health and wellbeing of workers and the provincial economy.