Budget Commentary
Background Documents
OCASI represents sector and newcomer interests by making deputations, presenting positions and commenting/analyzing yearly budgets from all three levels of government.
Each year's government budget process presents an opportunity for the sector to lobby politicians and bureaucrats to ensure that sector concerns and priorities are reflected in public policy decisions.
OCASI's budget updates and comments provide a yearly review of our own priorities and how they are being met or implemented in Ontario and federally.
Related Updates
OCASI Comments on Ontario Budget 2009
Apart from a few investments, the budget regrettably does not contain targeted measures that would improve equity for immigrant, refugee and racialized Ontarians, and that would address a growing income gap.
March 30, 2009
Federal Budget 2009 offers little hope for Immigrants and Refugees
The budget is disappointing in its failure to respond the economic challenge that confront immigrants, refugees and members of racialized communities.
January 28, 2009
Ontario 2009 Pre-Budget Submission
OCASI 2009 Pre-Budget submission to the Ontario Minister of Finance, and Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affiars
December 12, 2008
Ontario Budget 2008: Some Significant Steps, Much More Needs To Be Done
The Ontario Budget 2008 announces several positive investments for immigrants and refugees and equity seeking groups, but more needs to be done to eradicate poverty.
March 26, 2008
OCASI Comments on Federal Budget 2008
Immigrants and refugees have little to look forward to in the 2008 Federal Budget.
February 27, 2008
OCASI Appears before the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Finance
On Thursday, December 6th, OCASI appeared before the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Finance, in the context of its Pre-Budget Consultations in preparation of the Federal Budget for 2008.
December 12, 2007
OCASI Comments on Recent Economic Statement from the Federal Government
Government of Canada mini-budget fails vulnerable communities, again.
October 31, 2007
OCASI Response to Federal Pre-Budget Consultation
OCASI Responds to the 2007 Pre-Budget Consultations held by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance.
August 19, 2007
OCASI Submission to the Ontario Ministry of Finance Regarding the 2006 Ontario Budget
On December 13, 2005, OCASI attended a consultation meeting with Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance. The purpose of this consultation was to identify sector needs and to identify key areas for investment and re-investment.
December 19, 2005
City of Toronto Budget 2004 - Community Services and Housing
OCASI deputation on Community Services Grants Program and Housing Services in City of Toronto 2004 Budget, on Thursday February 5, 2004.
July 27, 2005
OCASI Deputation to City of Toronto: Budget 2003
OCASI Deputation on Budget 2003 to City of Toronto Standing Committee on Community Services.
July 19, 2005
Immigrants and Refugees and the 2004 Federal Budget
Immigrants and refugees see a few gains in the 2004 Federal Budget. More work needs to be done to address major barriers and gaps in service.
July 14, 2005
OCASI Comments on the 2005 Federal Budget
The 2005 Federal Budget presented on Wednesday February 23, 2005 promises investment in several areas that are of interest to the immigrant and refugee-serving sector.
July 14, 2005
OCASI Deputation on City of Toronto Budget 2004
Deputation on Budget 2004 to joint meeting of City of Toronto Policy & Finance Committee and Budget Advisory Committee, regarding priority needs of immigrant and refugee communities.
July 14, 2005
OCASI Deputation To City of Toronto Regarding Budget 2005
OCASI deputed on January 11, 2005 to the City of Toronto Community Services Committee regarding CPIP Budget and other sector concerns.
July 14, 2005
OCASI Deputation to Province of Ontario: Budget 2004-2005
Ontario’s diversity is a source of the success and prosperity of this province, and in which immigrants and refugees do not have an equitable share.
July 14, 2005
OCASI Expresses Concerns Regarding Ontario Pre-budget Hearings
OCASI wrote to the Ontario Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs to express concerns regarding the Ontario 2005 Pre-budget hearings process.
July 14, 2005
OCASI Input for the Ontario 2005 Budget
OCASI identified priorities for the Ontario 2005 Budget to the Minister of Finance, and the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Development (Ontario).
July 14, 2005
Ontario Budget Promises A Mixed Bag For Immigrants
Ontario Budget 2005 offers a mixed bag for immigrants with investment in labour market integration and financial relief for students. OCASI is disappointed that critical needs of low-income immigrants are virtually ignored.
July 14, 2005
Adult ESL funds absent from 2003 Provincial Budget
OCASI is concerned that stable funding for Adult ESL Classes was not included in the Ontario Provincial Government’s March 27, 2003 budget announcement.
July 12, 2005