BUDGET 2023: UNICEF CANADA STATEMENT

TORONTO, 29 March 2023 – On March 28, 2023, the Government of Canada tabled Budget 2023. UNICEF Canada believes that bold leadership is required from the federal government to address issues that affect children and youth in Canada and around the world. 

“UNICEF Canada notes the Government of Canada’s commitments, and believes the federal government’s investments to ensure progress is made for youth and child well-being must be strengthened. Canada’s investments are critical and drive real impact. Every child, in Canada and abroad, has a right to a healthy childhood, with access to social protection, nutrition, healthcare, quality education and a sustainable environment. When Canada excels, the world is a better place; and when our global community thrives, Canada and Canadians see the benefits,” said David Morley, President and CEO of UNICEF Canada.

UNICEF Canada’s position on the Budget’s commitments are as follows:

Providing International Assistance: We encourage Canada to gradually increase its International Assistance Envelope each year over the next three years to reach a minimum of $10 billion in the 2025 budget. This investment is aligned with the government’s commitment to predictable, sustained increases to Canada’s international development assistance annually, and is critical to advance preparedness for future pandemics, move us forward on climate action, and secure a just, inclusive and sustainable recovery in the world.

Nutrition: UNICEF Canada hopes the Government of Canada builds on its commitment towards new, sustainable investments to address an unprecedented global hunger and malnutrition crisis, including new allocations towards the early detection, prevention and treatment of wasting. Nationally, we are disappointed to see that the federal government did not reaffirm its commitment to develop a National School Food policy with an investment towards ensuring that every child has access to at least one healthy meal every day. Around one in three elementary school children goes to school without eating breakfast. Canada is the only G7 country without a national school food program.

Education: Education is a human right. UNICEF Canada notes the opportunity was missed to reaffirm its essential value in Budget 2023. We encourage Canada to build on its legacy as a leader in global education.

Health: UNICEF Canada encourages Canada to strengthen its investments to improve the health of children and youth, and stands prepared to continue the important work that lies ahead in making sure that every child, everywhere, has a healthy childhood. Internationally and at home, Canada must build on its commitment and increase investments towards health systems strengthening, including strengthening of primary healthcare, to allow countries to deliver preventative interventions like vaccines to children. This will help ensure that children are less likely to fall ill, and less likely to face challenges going to and staying in school. 

Child Poverty Alleviation: UNICEF Canada is disappointed the Government of Canada did not use Budget 2023 as an opportunity to alleviate child poverty with an increase in the income of families with children living in low-income through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). Tax-funded social transfers or income benefits are the most effective means of addressing child poverty, which continues to dampen the lives of close to one million children. Since its introduction in 2016, the CCB has been central to a rapid and real decline in Canada’s child poverty. Leaving children in poverty is a choice.

A Sustainable Environment: The fight against climate change and environmental deterioration is a key theme in Budget 2023. The health of children is a sensitive indicator of the health of their environment. Children are the most vulnerable to heat, pollution and loss of green space. Indigenous and racialized children in Canada and children in low-income countries are disproportionately affected by environmental damage. Investments in environmental protection will therefore have particular benefit to children. UNICEF Canada urges all levels of government to adopt a child lens in environmental protection and adaptation plans to ensure that services children rely on are protected, resilient and a priority for restoration in emergencies.

Dental Care for Canadians: We welcome budget 2023’s commitment to expand dental care to children over 12. This will help many families, recognizing that close to one in five children still live in poverty. The Canadian Index of Child and Youth Well-being found that one in 100 toddlers end up needing dental surgery mainly because dental care is unaffordable