Promoting social cohesion and equity

Over the past 40 years, the Toronto region has undergone a dramatic transormation. This region has become one of the world’s most attractive destinations for immigrants from around the globe, a strength that sets us apart on the world stage and enriches the cultural fabric of our region.

Yet Toronto’s growth has also entailed new challenges. More than one-fifth of all Toronto residents fall below Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off. And much of Toronto’s poorer population is concentrated in enclaves at risk of becoming permanent poverty traps. This inequity must be addressed in order to elevate the quality of life for all citizens.

Toronto cannot prosper without the full economic participation of all residents. Some key considerations include:

  • Addressing geographic disparities in municipal investments and services
  • Eliminating social polarization and discrimination
  • Facilitating effective integration of minorities and immigrants into the economy
  • Ensuring sufficient access to affordable housing, recreation facilities and health resources
  • Helping schools play a greater role in integrating at-risk youth into the economy

Discussion questions

  • How can we build on and expand initiatives directed at improving the liveability of Toronto’s “middle ring” of poverty and the economic participation of its residents?
  • How can City and school board properties and programming be leveraged in conjunction with the efforts of other governments, businesses and foundations?
  • How can we make schools become community hubs not only for students during the school day, but also for families during non-school hours?
  • What additional role can post-secondary institutions play in integrating municipal, provincial and federal immigration and settlement programs with efforts to reform accreditation by professional associations and the hiring practices of employers?
  • Other than increased investment in social housing, what options should be pursued to provide quality housing within the city for families of all incomes?
  • How can TCHC’s creative partnership with the private sector be extended to other aspects of the City’s activities?

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