In 2026, the Social Impact focus area will centre on innovation that reshapes how capital, policy, and delivery systems work together to create inclusive outcomes at scale. Rather than treating social impact as something measured after the fact, this focus area positions it as a design principle embedded from the start in how housing, infrastructure, workforce development, and community services are planned, financed, and delivered. 

Opportunity lies in new investment structures, data-driven impact measurement, and scalable platforms that enable social purpose organizations, Indigenous-led enterprises, and community innovators to move beyond pilots and into durable, repeatable systems. The aim is to support models that deliver both financial sustainability and measurable social value. 

Progress will depend on cross-sector collaboration and operating models that bridge public policy, private capital, and community expertise. By leveraging social finance, blended capital, and outcome-based funding, this focus area seeks to reduce risk and accelerate the scaling of solutions that expand access to housing, economic participation, and essential services. The emphasis is on building the financial, digital, and institutional infrastructure needed to turn social challenges into long-term resilience, equity, and shared prosperity across Canada.  

Who’s needed: healthcare and seniors housing operators, community organizations, government, impact investors, service providers, and public-sector leaders focused on inclusive, long-term outcomes.