Halifax, Nova Scotia, April 20, 2026 — United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC) will bring together staff, volunteers, and partners from across its national network for Leading Forward 2026, Navigating Change, Accelerating Impact, a national conference taking place on April 21–22, 2026, at the Halifax Convention Centre.
The United Way Centraide network meets every two years to advance shared learnings, scale promising practices and discuss opportunities to collaborate on emerging and urgent issues facing people and families living in communities across the country. Through keynote presentations, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and special events, participants will connect, learn, and collaborate to strengthen collective efforts to improve lives and build strong, resilient communities.
“Leading Forward 2026 reflects the strength of our national network and the deep local expertise that defines United Way Centraide,” said Dan Clement, President & CEO, United Way Centraide Canada. “By coming together in Halifax, we are celebrating the innovation, partnerships, and community leadership happening across Canada, while working together to address some of our most pressing social challenges.”
As a national network of local community experts, United Way Centraide works in communities of all sizes to address complex social issues, including poverty, mental health, social isolation, homelessness, and food insecurity. Each year, United Way Centraides mobilize more than $600 million, supporting over 8 million people in 5,000 communities through partnerships with more than 3,800 community service organizations.
Hosting the conference in Halifax highlights the leadership and impact of United Way Maritimes, a strong voice for the social sector in the Maritime region. Effective July 1, 2024, seven United Way organizations across the Maritimes unified into a single entity known as United Way Maritimes. This organization serves Central and Southwestern New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Mainland Nova Scotia.
United Way Maritimes’ affordable housing work has grown significantly, marked by the establishment of a dedicated affordable housing division and the launch of three signature programs. These include the Sackville Tiny Home Community, which opened in late 2024 and is now home to 60 residents, who receive wraparound supports as United Way Maritimes owns and operates the community.
“Communities are under real pressure, particularly when it comes to housing, but we are also seeing resilience and innovation take root,” said Sara Napier, President and CEO, United Way Maritimes. “Leading Forward 2026 is a chance to share what’s working, strengthen partnerships, and scale solutions that are helping people build stability and thrive.”
Leading Forward 2026 biennial national conference is expected to draw participants from across Canada, reinforcing United Way Centraide’s role as a national leader in a shared commitment to building a more equitable future for all.
About United Way Centraide Canada
United Way Centraide Canada is the national office that represents and supports a network of United Way Centraides serving 5,000 communities across Canada. As the unifying force for social change, United Way Centraides exist locally to serve those experiencing vulnerability in our communities and to create an equitable future for all. We work in partnership with more than 3,833 unique community service organizations delivering essential services so that everyone in every community can have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Media Contacts:
Erika Jacinto
National Director, Communications, United Way Centraide Canada
ejacinto@unitedway.ca
