Wellesley Institute works in research and policy to improve health and health equity in the GTA through action on the social determinants of health.
Old Age Security is a powerful poverty reduction program. The payments can be a significant portion of an older adult’s overall income, especially if they are low-income. However, more than 10,000 low-income older adults in Toronto are not accessing their OAS benefits, even though they are eligible. Furthermore, certain groups,…
Continue ReadingUnclaimed Benefits: Too many missing out on Old Age Security in Toronto Download PublicationUnclaimed Benefits
TORONTO (December 10, 2024) – Too many low-income Torontonians are not accessing the Old Age Security (OAS) benefits they are entitled to. Research by Wellesley Institute, in partnership with Open Policy Ontario, has found that more than 10,000 Toronto residents living in poverty are not receiving this important benefit that…
…health equity for these vulnerable older adults in Toronto. This work is timely as the City is developing a new Seniors Strategy, as well as a new strategic plan for Shelter & Support Services. In line with its Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy, the City also plans to open 20…
Continue ReadingAging while homeless: The growing crisis of older adults in Toronto’s shelter system
…in the suburbs have been underserved. Toronto’s Cycling Network Plan, approved in summer 2024, begins to address those inequities. Provincial action to delay or cancel the City’s plan would prevent that. As we consider where this “bikelash” came from, it is perhaps helpful to reflect on what – and who…
Research shows it costs as much as 39 per cent more TORONTO (October 1, 2024) – It’s no surprise to hear that people living with a disability have distinct needs. Now, research by Wellesley Institute is showing the cost of thriving in the Greater Toronto Area with a disability –…
…are unable or face barriers to filing taxes are excluded. This may lead to low uptake of the CCB among some equity-deserving communities. The upcoming budget should invest in expanding the CCB to allow for increased access to all children and families in need. The previous budget proposed a new…
Continue ReadingFederal Pre-Budget 2025 Submission: Time for vision and leadership on health equity
…little is being done to address and prevent chronic homelessness. The City of Toronto’s 2024 budget, released in February, included significant investments into expanding shelter capacity, eviction prevention and shelter diversion programs. While this is a step forward, much more needs to be done to improve access to adequate housing,…
Continue ReadingPride Month highlights need to address 2SLGBTQ+ homelessness
…crisis service based on Toronto’s successful model, and modified for Mississauga’s unique community needs. Developing and expanding on programs that address youth mental health. Collaborating with the provincial government to ensure all students have access to mental health services and resources when needed, and that teachers, school staff and early…
Continue ReadingMississauga’s mayoral byelection: Our position
…we hope future budgets will take this much more seriously. Wellesley Institute’s recommendations for this year’s federal budget called for action in four areas we believe are acute and crucial to Canada’s future: Create and implement of a national health equity plan. Establish an acceptable level of resources that ensures…
Continue ReadingFederal Budget 2024: Positive steps, but still no targets
…Previously, while at TCLHIN, Camille made health equity an increasing priority. Some of her achievements include launching Language Services Toronto, a telephone interpretation service for non-English speaking patients of Toronto’s hospitals that markedly improved aspects of access to Toronto’s hospitals. Her efforts on the Resource Matching and Referral Program and…
Continue ReadingPowering Equity Summit Program, May 15, 2024
We wish to acknowledge this land on which the Wellesley Institute operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.
Revised by the Ceremonial Committee at the University of Toronto Office of Indigenous Initiatives in April 2021.