Today, the federal government released Canada Strong, Budget 2025. YMCA Canada acknowledges the importance of investing in building Canada Strong and was pleased to see new investments in community infrastructure and youth employment supports – including an investment in Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA.
We welcome the emphasis on supporting community-level infrastructure, which can play a key role in creating safe, inclusive, and well-connected environments. In communities where the YMCA operates, infrastructure investment has the potential to improve access to programs, services, and gathering spaces that support physical activity, social connection, and well-being.
On youth employment, we are pleased to see funding for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. These investments will meaningfully support young people as they transition into the labour market. Strengthening job-readiness, apprenticeship pathways, and employment supports will be critical, especially for youth facing barriers. Additionally, we are happy to see the new Youth Climate Corps program receive funding. YMCA Canada is ready to partner in advancing programs that equip young people with skills and opportunities to build meaningful careers.
Expanding quality and affordable child-care is a vital component of supporting labour market participation and early-childhood development. Which is why, in a budget positioned to build Canada strong, we were disappointed to see that additional funding was not committed to the $10/day child care program. With three provincial governments not signed onto the program, the lack of investment risks the success of the program to date in lowering child care fees for families and creating new spaces. We urge the federal government to prioritize investment in this program in the near future.
YMCA Canada looks forward to reviewing the full measures and engaging with federal, provincial, and local partners to help translate investment into lasting, positive outcomes for Canada’s communities, young people, and families. We stand committed to helping ensure that infrastructure, youth employment supports, and child care systems work together to build Canada Strong.
