Pre-Budget Submission

Each year, the Alzheimer Society submits recommendations to the Ontario government ahead of the provincial Budget, alongside organizations and individuals across the province. These submissions help shape funding and policy decisions that impact people living with dementia, their care partners, and the health system as a whole. 

Our 2026 Pre-Budget Submission outlines five costed, practical investments that would strengthen dementia care across Ontario and reduce pressure on hospitals and long-term care. We are calling on the Ontario government to invest in: 

Hospital and long-term care diversion by expanding the DREAM Program to help people living with dementia safely return home with the right supports 

Dementia-competent care in long-term care homes through expanded U-First!® training for frontline staff and leaders 

Activation and respite for people in the early stages of dementia, particularly in diverse communities, through expanded day programs 

Better transitions to long-term care to support families and reduce system strain during critical moments 

Earlier detection and diagnosis of dementia through community-based cognitive testing and a provincial dementia registry 

Our submission also calls on the government to implement the Improving Dementia Care in Ontario Act, 2024, including establishing a coordinated provincial dementia framework and infrastructure within Ontario Health to improve access, accountability, and continuity of care. 

Together, these investments would move Ontario closer to a dementia-ready system; one that supports people earlier, cares for them better, and uses health-care resources more effectively. 

You can read our full 2026 Pre-Budget Submission here.