Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative leaves out many non-profit developers

COVID-19 is aggravating Canada’s affordable housing and homelessness crisis. According to a 2020 survey from the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, 1.6 million Canadians have experienced homelessness. The government is offering critical aid to affordable housing developers, but it may not be accessible to all.

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Digital equity organizations welcome $2 billion in broadband investments, but worry it will go to major telecoms

Poor internet access is a major issue in Canada that receives little attention from the philanthropic sector. The COVID-19 pandemic is showing just how vital it is to a healthy society. Internet infrastructure may require significant government investment, but non-profits can play an important role in ensuring internet access for all.

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Canada’s recovery plan could miss a huge opportunity to boost climate finance, experts say

Fighting climate change remains Canada’s greatest existential challenge. As the country recovers from COVID-19, it has the opportunity to transform its carbon-intensive economy - but government financing alone may not be enough. Social financing could fill the gap and ensure a green economic recovery for all.

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Trudeau’s $400 million international COVID-19 plan is feminist — but is it enough?

Women and girls are leading the charge on COVID-19 response efforts around the world. Yet many women around the world are seeing an alarming rise in domestic violence. Canada has earmarked $400 million towards humanitarian aid with a focus on women — a move INGO sector advocates say is hugely important.

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Throne Speech scorecard: What grade do social impact leaders give Trudeau’s plan?

Demand for social impact organizations’ services is rising dramatically, from food banks to employment support to mental healthcare. The federal government outlined an ambitious recovery plan in its Throne Speech last week, but without committing to more support for the social impact sector, its scope is limited.

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The Canada Recovery Benefit still leaves out the most vulnerable, social impact organizations say

Millions of Canadians are currently dependent on CERB. While the Liberal government’s new Canada Recovery Benefit is a strong safety net, social impact organizations will still need to provide for their users - and expand their missions.

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Everything the social impact sector needs to know about Canada’s COVID-19 recovery plan

A Throne Speech is a federal government’s rough policy blueprint, and 2020’s is a particularly bold one. The federal government is promising major new commitments as Canada braces for a second wave of COVID-19, but the social impact sector is in desperate need of relief - and the Throne Speech doesn’t offer much.

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