This year Labour Day coincides with the official start of the Ontario provincial election campaign. September 5th, union members will be celebrating labour history and their hopes for the future of our working lives. It’s a time for all of us in Ontario to think about what kind of labour market we should build. And, […]
Archives for 2011
Vote for Housing: 2011
Michael Shapcott will be joining a panel of housing experts in asking hard questions of our political parties on issues of affordable housing in Ontario, leading up to the fall election. On September 8th, Vote for Housing will host the event at the Metro Central YMCA. Already confirmed for the political panel are Glenn Murray […]
Putting affordable housing on the agenda for Election 2011
Good, affordable, healthy housing is a right for all Canadians, but why do so many go without? Pathways to affordable housing must be on the agenda for upcoming provincial election. An Election 2011 All-Party Public forum on Pathways to Affordable Housing: What a Housing Benefit could do for You is happening on September 15 from 7:00 […]
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Addressing health inequity is crucial for creating an effective health-care system
Dr. Jeff Turnbull, outgoing president of the Canadian Medical Association, emphasized that addressing “devastating and epidemic” health inequities is crucial for creating a responsive and effective health system for the future, in an article in today’s Globe and Mail. He called for improved access to services not currently funded such as prescription drugs and for […]
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Sustainable, long-term federal housing investments required: WI 2012 pre-budget submission
A good home is vital to personal health and essential to improving the overall health of the entire population, as well as contributing to a strong and stable economy. Good housing is good for the economy, and it reduces government health and other spending. Despite all these benefits, federal housing investments have been eroding over […]
Markham, Richmond Hill need new community health centre to tackle health inequities
The Wellesley Institute’s Michael Shapcott joined hundreds of community leaders at a forum at Markham Civic Centre on August 11 to support a new community health centre for Markham and Richmond Hill sponsored by the Social Services Network and the Association of Ontario Health Centres. The principal focus of our work at the Wellesley Institute […]
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The Toronto 300 speak out on city’s Core Services Review
The Wellesley Institute joined about 300 other organizations and individuals who offered expert views on the implications to the City of Toronto of significant cuts to municipal programs and services as identified by the Core Services Review. Scores of video-deputations from the marathon meeting of the city’s executive committee meeting on July 28 and 29 […]
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Health Equity Into Action in Central LHIN
Central LHIN has taken a promising two-pronged approach to equity: equity is one of the key priorities within their Integrated Health Service Plan or strategic plan; and they have focussed on several particularly health disadvantaged areas within their region. They called a provider and community consultation on how to move forward on these focused initiatives. […]
Ontario Sets 2012 Rent Increase Guideline at 3.1% – More Than 4 Times Higher Than Last Year's
The Ontario government has set the 2012 rent review guideline at 3.1% – more than four times higher than last year’s rent review guideline of 0.7% and the highest set by the Ontario government in a decade. Private landlords are allowed to increase rents (with 90 days notice) up to the guideline limit once every 12 […]
"All Cuts Aren’t Created Equal": Wellesley Weighs In On the Core Service Review with an Editorial in The Toronto Star
In an editorial in The Toronto Star online, Wellesley Institute’s Rick Blickstead looks at the health implications of the proposed service cuts at the City of Toronto and advises readers that cuts come with a price that must be considered. As we build the future of the city, Torontonians need to think about the kind […]