The federal election has been called, and its timing couldn’t be more critical. As Canadians grapple with soaring living costs, unaffordable housing, precarious work, and inadequate income supports, tariffs threaten to make life even harder.
With a network of 205 food programs across Toronto, we see firsthand the daily challenges individuals and families face in securing basic necessities. The impact of tariffs is already being felt—not just by businesses and workers but across the entire economy—placing even greater pressure on those already struggling to make ends meet.
In 2024, there were over 3.75 million visits to Daily Bread member food banks—a record high and more than 4.5 times pre-pandemic levels. Alarmingly, having a job or post-secondary education no longer guarantees financial security. Nearly half of food bank clients reported someone in their household was employed, and almost 60% had post-secondary education—yet still couldn’t afford food, according to Who’s Hungry 2024.
As political parties shape their election platforms and candidates engage with voters, they face a crucial choice: continue with business as usual or seize this moment to rebuild social and economic resilience, ensuring that no one goes hungry.
Building social and economic resilience
A strong social safety net is the foundation of economic and social resilience—something that sets Canada apart and has long been a source of national pride. It ensures that the most vulnerable are protected, all workers have access to unemployment support, and everyone has a place to call home. Achieving these goals requires investing in the Canada Disability Benefit, re-investing in social and rent-geared-to-income housing, and strengthening Employment Insurance.
That’s why we’re calling on candidates from all parties to commit to the following:
1. Lift people out of poverty by making the Canada Disability Benefit adequate and accessible
- The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) marks a significant step forward in reducing food insecurity and poverty among adults with disabilities. Unfortunately, the benefit in its current form falls short. Of the 1.5 million people with disabilities living in poverty, only 600,000 qualify, and just 25,000 will be lifted out of poverty by 2028. With $1 billion of funding per year over six years, the benefit amounts to just $200 per month per person. Requiring a Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate adds further barriers, as only 40% of people with disabilities have one.
- To deliver a benefit all Canadians living with a disability deserve, the government needs to raise the CDB amount above the poverty line, with incremental increases in future budgets; expand the eligibility criteria by aligning with the Accessible Canada Act definition of disability; remove the DTC certificate requirement to ensure individuals already receiving disability benefits are automatically enrolled for the CDB; and exempt the CDB from being treated as income under the Income Tax Act.
2. Build affordable housing and support renters
- Most Canadians rely on private rental housing, but rents remain unaffordable for many. Our Who’s Hungry 2024 report found that 87% of food bank clients are living in unaffordable housing, with 20% of respondents spending 100% or more of their income on rent, leaving nothing for food, clothing, or other necessities.
- To address this crisis, the government must invest in 372,000 new, accessible, rent-geared-to-income homes over five years to meet the OECD average and provide sustained investment to maintain and repair existing stock. Additionally, the government must strengthen support for renters in the private market by expanding and extending the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB), which is currently underfunded and set to expire in 2029.
3. Protect all workers
- With tariffs threatening industries across Canada, job losses could reach into the millions. For workers facing layoffs or reduced hours, Employment Insurance (EI) is meant to provide a safety net—yet only 35% of unemployed workers receive it. The pandemic exposed deep flaws in the EI system, prompting temporary federal reforms, but those changes have since been rolled back.
- To ensure EI truly serves all workers, we need permanent, comprehensive reforms that make the program both adequate and accessible. This includes raising the amount paid weekly; extending the duration of benefits; lowering the minimum qualifying hours; and ensuring that vulnerable workers such as migrants and seasonal workers can access EI.
Call to action
The next few weeks are critical—your voice matters! Together, we can advocate for the stronger social safety net our country needs.
Use our online tool to demand that party leaders and local candidates commit to bold action so that every Canadian can meet their basic needs and live with dignity.
And most importantly—don’t forget to vote on April 28, 2025!
