Speech from the Throne - Government Of Canada Overlooks Nonprofit Sector As It Works To Build A Stronger Canada.

Today’s Speech from the Throne is a missed opportunity to meaningfully acknowledge and engage the nonprofit sector in Canada’s national agenda. 

The nonprofit sector recognizes the government's continued focus on pressing national priorities such as the economy, affordability, housing, mental health, the environment and the labour market. Despite clear recognition of the sector's value in building a fairer and more inclusive country, the government failed to acknowledge the vital role of the nonprofit sector in its roadmap.  

In April, Imagine Canada released a nonprofit policy platform highlighting the needs of a wide range of sub-sectors from social services to healthcare to the environment. 

It is time for the government to recognize the nonprofit sector’s essential role in delivering the programs and services that drive progress on these priorities in communities across Canada.

We are also disappointed that the sector's economic and social contributions continue to go unrecognized. The nonprofit sector is an economic powerhouse. It employs 2.7 million people and contributes $226 billion in economic activity, representing 8.2% of Canada’s GDP. In addition, 13 million volunteers dedicate nearly 2 billion hours annually to building stronger communities. PwC recently released a report analyzing the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canada’s nonprofit sector, projecting a $126 million decline in the sector’s contribution to GDP. This economic strain, combined with an expected $100 million drop in charitable giving by 2026, highlights the urgent need for the federal government to recognize and support the significant role nonprofits play in Canadian society. 

During the election campaign, the Liberal Party pledged to meet with nonprofit and charitable sector representatives within the first 100 days of taking office. As the Liberal government moves forward with its agenda, we urge it to honour this commitment.

Canada cannot move forward on its most pressing challenges without a strong and supported nonprofit sector. We stand ready to work with the government to build a more inclusive and equitable future for Canadians.