At our Canadian Coalition of Community-Based Employability Training (CCCBET) board meeting this week, we discussed our recommendations in preparation for our submission to the Federal Pre-Budget 2027 consultation.

One of our newer board members asked what kind of response we can expect. She is new to government relations work, and I appreciated the question. It is not something I think about often.

As you may know, ASPECT prepares an annual pre-budget submission and presents it to the Provincial Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Affairs. We also contribute to a federal submission through CCCBET.

So, in answer to her question, here is why we do it.

1. Align priorities with government direction
Budget submissions allow us to align our members’ needs with government priorities. Budgets are where policy direction turns into funded action, and this is our opportunity to influence that direction early.

2. Ensure visibility at decision-making tables
Our submissions are formally received and documented. This ensures that ASPECT and our members’ work are on the government’s radar at a time when priorities are being set.

3. Communicate and connect across the sector
Submissions are a communication tool. They help us clearly articulate our priorities to elected officials, public servants, and our broader networks. Often, we find alignment with others doing similar work. For example, our call for a federal employment strategy is echoed by CERIC, the Canadian Career Development Foundation, and others.

4. Position the sector as a solutions partner
We are not only identifying challenges but offering practical, evidence-informed recommendations grounded in frontline experience.

5. Strengthen relationships with decision-makers
A strong submission creates openings for follow-up conversations with Ministers and senior officials and reinforces our role as a trusted advisor.

6. Elevate community-based expertise
Our members are deeply connected to local labour markets and bring insight that is often missing from national and provincial policy discussions.

Will we see our recommendations fully adopted? Not always. But this work ensures our sector is visible, aligned, and actively shaping the systems that impact the people and communities we serve.

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC

Federal Budget Submissions: The deadline for submitting written briefs through the committee’s website is no later than Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Written briefs must be no longer than 2,000 words and should adhere to the following template. 

BC Budget Consultation Submissions: Opportunities to present in person are now closed (except for public hearings in Castlegar and Smithers, which are available until April 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.). Opportunities for written submissions will be available through the portal in June. ASPECT will be presenting in Victoria on June 1st.