Budget 2023: Ontario United Ways are Ready to Support Government in Building a Thriving Province
Tanya Noyes • February 7, 2023
Ontario United Ways present four recommendations in a pre-budget submission to build the foundation for equitable prosperity in Ontario.
February 7, 2023 (Toronto, ON) – Ontario’s 2023 Budget comes at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the province. While confronting record inflation, food insecurity, a critical lack of affordable housing, escalating mental health and addiction-related needs, and a greater complexity and demand for community services, the province is growing and revitalizing at a rapid rate. Based on their deep community work, United Ways across Ontario have presented four crucial areas for the province to invest in that will address the growing roots of poverty and create a lasting impact for the people of Ontario. By working together, with community, that future can be a reality shared for everyone, regardless of where they live or the challenges they face.
“There is a future filled with shared prosperity and growth. It starts with making the right investments and rolling up our sleeves to do the work,” says Daniele Zanotti, CEO of United Way Greater Toronto. “United Ways across Ontario are presenting tangible solutions and a promise that in partnership with the provincial government we are ready to utilize our deep community roots and expertise in creating inclusive communities.”
United Ways across Ontario have a unique vantage point for the provincial government, as the largest funder of social services next to government and a leader in cross-sectoral innovation and research designed to create systems-level solutions. In their work with communities across Ontario, United Ways have identified four key recommendations to government that help ensure the 2023 Budget can build a foundation of equitable prosperity and maximize public resources for multiple economic and social benefits.
Ontario United Ways urge government to:
- Invest in the community services sector to enable the delivery of critical services that meet the unique needs of diverse communities across the province
- Invest in safe, affordable, and accessible housing options
- Provide greater income security and equitable access to employment supports and opportunities
- Create inclusive, connected, and equitable communities
“The recommendations speak to the core of this province: in the face of so much uncertainty, the realities and struggles many of us face, that we never lose our resiliency and hope for a bright future,” says Zanotti. “I am confident these recommendations taken together, form an important roadmap for a thriving future.”
Read the full submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs from Ontario United Ways’: 2023 Pre-Budget Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs
