Budget 2026 puts economic growth and affordability at the centre of its agenda but leaves significant gaps in the investments needed to support the safety, economic security and equality of women.
“The true measure of a budget is whether it improves people’s lives,” said Aline Nizigama, National CEO of YWCA Canada. “While Budget 2026 contains welcome affordability measures, it falls short in meeting the urgency of the escalating challenges facing women across Canada.”
The disconnect is particularly evident in the budget’s approach to some of the supports women rely on most.
“We are particularly concerned by the lack of a long-term vision for child care, the absence of targeted investments to address women’s housing and homelessness, and continued uncertainty about how operational funding for national women’s rights organizations will be delivered and sustained,” said Nizigama.
YWCA Canada also called for housing investments to recognize the distinct experiences and needs of Indigenous women and support For-Indigenous, By-Indigenous approaches to housing.
Beyond these priorities, the budget does not provide the dedicated investment needed to stabilize shelters and transition houses, or the targeted support needed to help more women enter and advance in skilled trades.
These investments are not separate from Canada’s economic ambitions. They help determine whether women and gender diverse people can access opportunities, participate fully in the economy and share in the benefits of economic growth.
Before Budget 2026 was tabled, YWCA Canada made clear recommendations to the federal government on the investments needed to improve the lives of women and gender diverse people across Canada.
Our Federal Budget 2026 Report Card examines the government’s commitments against those recommendations, highlighting where the budget responds to our priorities and where it falls short.
YWCA Canada will continue working with government and community partners to advance the investments and policy changes needed to build a safer, more equitable future for women, girls, and gender diverse people.
Media Contact:
Dana Dignard
National Director, Communications
ddignard@ywcacanada.ca
C|437.997.0992
