In a pre-budget submission to the federal government, UWGT emphasized that the community services sector must be recognized as core social and economic infrastructure. By addressing barriers to employment, stabilizing households, and connecting people to opportunity, it enables workforce participation, unlocks labour supply, and reinforces long-term economic and social stability.
UWGT also offered the following recommendations to government for the 2026 Federal Budget:
- Leverage federal investments to build inclusive workforce pathways and strengthen economic growth: Invest in demand-driven skills development programs that create a pipeline of skilled labour for large federal infrastructure projects and embed a commitment to community benefits and social procurement to strengthen inclusive employment outcomes.
- Invest in youth to build a stronger, more resilient Canada: Strengthen and modernize youth employment supports by positioning programs such as Canada Summer Jobs within a broader, year-round employment framework that enables sustained employment and embeds wraparound supports.
- Build a more stable and resilient housing system in Canada: Strengthen the National Housing Strategy and leverage Build Canada Homes to expand and preserve non-market and deeply affordable housing, ensuring long-term stability for households facing the greatest need.