How to Influence Canada’s Federal Budget

1. The current pre-budget submissions for the Canadian federal government
2. Broader guidance on pre-budget advocacy that can be adopted into your own jurisdiction (so keep reading if you advocate for funding at the municipal level, provincial/territorial level, or even for another country – and decide what advice resonates best for your context!)

If your organization is planning to advocate for federal funding, now is the time to get your budget submission in. The federal government is currently accepting until August 28. Under Prime Minister Mark Carney, the new government has trended towards austerity, i.e. through asking departments to make 15% reductions, and we strong advise that your organization should consider authoring a budget submission and campaigning — even to maintain funding levels for your cause.

Keep reading to learn about best practices for budget advocacy!

Too often, organizations wait until right before the budget is released to begin advocacy efforts. But by then, it’s too late. Budget decisions are made well in advance, which means your campaign should start before the budget is written, not after it’s tabled.

Due to our recent spring election, the federal budget for 2025 is being released in the fall.

Start early. Submit your pre-budget submission before August 28.

This is your formal chance to influence what’s included in the upcoming budget. You must work on this advocacy in advance, and not at the last minute right before the budget.

Note that for the Canadian federal context, even when there is no federal election moving timelines around like we saw this year, pre-budget advocacy starts in the summer prior, typically with the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance submissions. There are typically broader public consultations closer to the budget, but seizing the summer consultation opportunity, roughly 6 months in advance, is what you must do.

Use strategic messaging.

Ensure the language in your submission aligns with your broader advocacy strategy. This helps you maintain consistency across all communications and makes it easier to reinforce your asks in meetings, media, and campaigns.

Build sector-wide support.

‍If others in your sector share your priorities, consider submitting a joint proposal or having them sign on to your submission. A collective voice is harder can make a huge impact.

Go beyond the submission.

A well-written proposal is just one piece. To truly influence the process, pair it with behind-the-scenes meetings with decision-makers and, when needed, a public advocacy campaign.

Make it visible.

‍Consider making your submission public and accessible. Share it on your website and social media to build momentum, show accountability, and invite support.

If your organization needs help crafting clear, strategic messaging for your pre-budget submission or your broader advocacy efforts, get in touch with us.

LeBlanc (& co.) Communications offers strategy and design that build power for clients working across good causes — and only good causes. We support a range of clients in fields such as nonprofits, philanthropy, labour, the public sector, and mission aligned small businesses.