Budget season 2025 – will provinces invest in supporting Canadians of all ages to thrive?
Gen Squeeze's recommendations point the way to intergenerational solidarity in budgeting.
Where we put our money says a lot about our priorities. It’s no different for governments – the budgets they release each year show us which issues top the list of importance.
We get excited about budgets here at Gen Squeeze for two reasons. First, budgets are a moment when the big picture of government finances is on full display – and actually makes the news. That means it’s a key moment of influence for systems-thinkers like us.
Second, budgets are an opportunity to press governments to invest fairly and promote wellbeing for all ages. We work hard to advance our policy recommendations year-round, but budgets can tell us whether governments have been listening. In 2024, Ottawa and Victoria showed that they were, with budgets that singled out fairness for every generation!
The 2025 budget season will no doubt be caught up in the whirlwind around the new US administration. We’re not letting that distract us from the actions we know are needed to build generationally fair and resilient provinces. Our recommendations will help put us on the solid economic footing needed to tackle coming challenges, and advance wellbeing for young and old alike.
Here’s a snapshot of our top 5 asks. Plus, you can check out our detailed recommendations for Alberta, BC and Ontario.
- Holding the government accountable for supporting people of all ages to thrive by creating An Act to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Present and Future Generations.
- Compensating young people for sacrificing their financial security to protect the housing wealth ‘nest eggs’ older homeowners have gained from rising home prices.
- Making life more affordable AND reducing pressures on our medical system by growing investments in the social conditions where health begins more urgently than investments in medical care.
- Doubling down on $10 a day child care to grow the economy and support families.
- Standing up for pollution pricing so we don’t leave big messes for our kids to clean up.
Our number-crunching will make sure you have all the information you need on whether we’re investing fairly for young and old alike. Stay tuned to our budget page and social channels for the latest.