National Op-Ed: Solidarity gives Canada its resilience in the face of crises

Like many across Canada, we have been actively monitoring the upheaval in crucial economic relationships between Canada and the United States and globally. People living in Canada are worried about their jobs, their businesses and their communities. Nevertheless, this upheaval has shown the strength of our Canadian values. The trade war has rekindled our patriotism and drive to shore up the economy here at home. We have been reminded that Canada is a proud and caring country — a country of abundance, diversity, talent, and creativity. A place where people support one another and believe in working together to advance the common good. These values are fundamental to ensuring that people, families and communities can thrive.

Economic Hardship leads to Social Hardship. Our United Way Centraide (UWC) network knows that economic hardship leads to social hardship, especially for those already experiencing vulnerability. Productivity relies on people — their health, their stability, and their ability to fully participate in the economy. Rising housing costs, food insecurity, and mental health pressures are issues that are directly affecting whether people can work, train, and contribute.

Social infrastructure is economic infrastructure. If we want a resilient, productive economy, we need to invest in the services that keep people and communities strong. Any Made-in-Canada response to tariffs must support community-based services. As people across Canada voted on April 28, 2025, it is critical to focus our attention on keeping communities strong.

According to Imagine Canada, the community sector contributes 8.4% of Canada’s GDP and employs 2.4 million people – more than mining, oil and gas, or agriculture, transportation and retail. Research shows that for every $1 invested in social services, there is a corresponding $2 to $6 return in economic and social value. United Way Centraide Canada has a four-part plan for Canada’s next government. It focuses on strategic investments in essential community services that will boost short and long-term productivity, help protect our economic strength and ensure no one is left behind.

• Recommendation 1: Invest in the direct community-based services that people across Canada rely on. Invest $500 million in essential community services that provide direct benefits to workers, individuals, and families who will struggle with labour force transitions, costs of childcare, maintaining their housing and meeting basic needs.
• Recommendation 2: Expand peer-led labour adjustment programs and targeted income support. UWC proudly works with the labour partners to deliver peer-led labour adjustment programs for workers facing temporary or permanent layoffs due to the trade war. We urge all levels of government to invest in the expansion of this model to help get laid-off workers back in the labour force. Government must also improve Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and enhance EI eligibility, and implement targeted increases to income security programs such as the Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST rebate to protect low- and moderate-income households.
• Recommendation 3: Invest in community infrastructure. To protect Canada’s productivity and economic stability, we must invest in community infrastructure that keeps people working, housed, healthy, and our social fabric strong. That means funding the construction and long-term operation of vital local assets — like community hubs, nonprofit housing, childcare centres, and mental health facilities — that directly support labour force participation and reduce the burden on emergency services. By embedding Community Benefit Agreements into these projects, governments can ensure these investments deliver measurable returns while building long-term resilience in communities hit hardest by the trade war.
• Recommendation 4: Unlock the generosity of Canadians. Canadians are ready to respond to the needs of their neighbours. Government can encourage and inspire people across Canada to donate in support of local community services organizations by implementing a “Give Local” donation matching program. Building a strong economy and strong communities go hand in hand. And despite the uncertainty that we are facing, what is certain is that the UWC network will be there for communities across the country. These proposals will unlock the generosity of Canadians and the capacity of community services to meet the essential needs of our neighbours, friends and families and ensure no one is left behind.