Legislation to safeguard the wellbeing of present and future generations will create a legally-binding common purpose for Canada’s national government: to act as good ancestors to all those who follow us. Good ancestors make sure spending and policy decisions consider the implications of the choices we make now for our kids, our grandchildren, and future generations.

Securing a good quality of life for all ages means that actions today can't deny the ability of future generations to meet their needs, as Indigenous leaders have long affirmed in the seven generations principle. Legislation will ensure our public sector delivers on this commitment, helping to create a Canada that we all want to live in – today and tomorrow.

Canada would not be going it alone on enacting legislation to safeguard wellbeing for all generations.

Wales passed the Well-being of Future Generations Act in 2015. In 2024, United Nations Member States – including Canada – adopted the Declaration on Future Generations that commits governments to “safeguard the needs and interests of future generations.” Plus, we've already started down this path with a landmark 2024 federal budget affirming the need for Fairness for Every Generation. Legislation is the next step.