KAIROS calls for root-cause solutions to global and domestic crises in pre-budget submission
KAIROS urges Canada to embrace a broader, people-centred vision of security in Budget 2026.
In its pre-budget submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, KAIROS argues that climate disruption, armed conflict, unjust sovereign debt, displacement, threats to Indigenous rights, rising inequality and gender-based violence are not isolated challenges. They are interconnected symptoms of deeper systems that place people, communities and the planet at risk.
Rather than responding with increased militarization and short-term fixes, KAIROS calls on Canada to invest in the conditions that create lasting security and well-being: reconciliation grounded in Indigenous sovereignty, peacebuilding, climate action, gender justice, strong public services and international cooperation.
KAIROS made four recommendations to the finance committee.
1. Advance debt justice and equitable climate finance
Canada can play a leadership role in helping to resolve the global sovereign debt crisis, which is diverting resources away from healthcare, education and climate action. Key measures include cancelling unsustainable bilateral debt, supporting global financial reform through a UN framework on sovereign debt and increasing grants-based climate finance – especially for vulnerable countries and women-led organizations.
2. Centre women peacebuilders and feminist approaches to security
Local women peacebuilders are essential to lasting peace and resilience. KAIROS recommends strengthening Canada’s leadership through a robust feminist foreign policy, increased and targeted funding for women’s rights organizations and sustained support for grassroots movements working at the intersection of conflict, climate and gender justice.
3. Uphold Indigenous water rights and invest in water security
As Canada develops a National Water Security Strategy, KAIROS calls for Indigenous rights, treaties and knowledge systems to be at its core. This includes long-term funding for Indigenous-led water initiatives, shared governance and ending public support for fossil fuel expansion that threatens watersheds and communities.
4. Address climate-induced displacement with migrant justice
Climate change is increasingly driving displacement and global insecurity. KAIROS urges Canada to adopt a migrant justice framework that recognizes climate displacement, creates safe and permanent migration pathways, addresses root causes and strengthens protections and rights for migrant workers in Canada.
Investing in real security
Across all four areas, KAIROS emphasizes that real solutions are interconnected. Budget 2026 must reject false trade-offs between social investment, reconciliation and global solidarity. Real security is built by tackling the structural drivers of injustice – including fossil fuel dependence, unsustainable debt and systemic inequality – and by investing in people, communities and the planet.
KAIROS looks forward to continued engagement with the federal government to ensure that Canada’s budget reflects these priorities and contributes to a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.
