A new campaign called the Colour of Poverty has been launched to highlight the racialization of poverty in Ontario. Here are some basic facts from the campaign: Racialized students face discrimination in schools. Poverty among racialized groups is growing. Poverty among racialized groups leads to greater risk of poor health. Racialized groups are more likely to […]
Another public holiday for Ontario?
One of the political parties contesting the October 10 election in Ontario has revived the age-old idea of an additional public holiday for the province in February (that rather bleak stretch between New Year and the spring that offers little relief). If adopted, that would bring to eight the number of public holidays in Ontario […]
"A Fair Go for all Australians"
Good health, strong communities, a good life – all these are much more difficult to achieve when there are large inequalities, especially income disparities. “A Fair Go for all Australians” is a comprehensive proposal from the Australian Council of Social Service that offers international comparisons and then sets out ten key categories for action: Fair […]
Medical debt and the U.S. housing collapse
As the U.S. subprime housing market continues its collapse, dragging down not only the broader U.S. economy but also many other economies around the world (including thousands of Ontario autoworkers who have lost their jobs in a recent round of layoffs), pause for a moment to consider the many layers of pain that are being […]
Alberta government to shut down homeless encampment
The Alberta government announced yesterday (Monday) that it will move to shut down a homeless encampment in Edmonton on September 15. Edmonton, and Alberta, are experiencing among the worst housing conditions anywhere in Canada – ownership and rent costs are sky-high, the supply is inadequate, there is little government support for affordable housing and few […]
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Toronto – not so liveable, says Pembina Institute
Toronto is a great city – but is it liveable? Not according to the Pembina Institute, a sustainable energy think tank that released on Monday a detailed review of 27 Ontario communities. It looks at environmental, social, economic and community sustainability. The report is full of detailed analysis based on key indicators – a well-researched and […]
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Toronto’s 2006 Street Needs Assessment: Moving To Action
Experts and advocates agree: Toronto’s 2006 homeless street count was fatally flawed and does not provide reliable data to make important decisions about the allocation of funding for shelters, services or housing. This document presented to the Toronto City Council’s Community Services Committee on July 5, 2006 discusses the issues surrounding the 2006 Street Needs Assessment.
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Killer Heat, Killer Smog: Six Recommendations
Increasingly high summer temperatures have an impact on the health of all, especially the poor and elderly. This Wellesely Institute backgrounder provides a three-point “Cool Toronto” plan to bring down the temperature in an over-heated city.
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Federal Role In Housing: Constitutional And Legal Issues
This Wellesley Institute backgrounder, by Michael Shapcott looks at the constitutional and legal issues regarding the federal role in housing in Canada.
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Counting Toronto’s Homeless People
Toronto’s homeless street count and needs assessment has generated plenty of controversy. This Wellesley Institute backgrounder, prepared by Michael Shapcott, looks at the issues and concerns about counting the homeless.
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