A healthy, inclusive neighbourhood includes a good mix of housing for all households and all incomes. But it doesn’t happen by accident. Private developers build for the market. Market ownership costs and market rents are unaffordable to low, moderate and even middle-income households. Hundreds of US cities use a set of tools and rules to […]
An Introduction to The Homeless Hub
The Homeless Hub is a web-based research library and information center representing an innovative step forward in the use of technology to enhance knowledge mobilization and networking. The Homeless Hub has emerged as a place where community services providers, researchers, government representatives, and the general public can access and share research, stories, and best practices.
An urban health new year’s resolution
The new year is a time for resolutions. When it comes to urban health, Toronto’s pioneering Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Charles Hastings, laid down a strong challenge almost nine decades ago. In December of 1918, Dr. Hastings was elevated to President of the American Public Health Association. It was not only a great honour, but well-deserved recognition […]
Another housing announcement
The federal andOntario government made their latest announcement about new affordable housing allocations on Friday. This brings to ten the number of major federal-provincial announcements on this program, which was launched in November of 2001. Among the announcements: – the feds and Ontario have signed not one, but two housingagreementsto get money flowing and homes […]
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 […]
Are The Poor Allowed To Ask For Help? Anti-Panhandling Law May Be Illegal
Does Toronto have the legal power to ban panhandling on city streets? What would be the costs? This backgrounder reviews some of the key issues as a municipal politician proposes to criminalize begging for money by the poor.
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As Ontario braces for Drummond report, lessons from Million Dollar Murray need to be considered
As Ontario braces for the report from economist Don Drummond on provincial public service spending, an early leak from his work raises a powerful question. In a Toronto Star column by Martin Regg Cohn, Drummond is reported to be ‘staggered by the statistic that a mere 1 per cent of the population accounts for fully half […]
As Toronto adds 700th name to homeless memorial, Commons set to debate C400
Toronto’s monthly homeless memorial marks a sober milestone at noon on Tuesday as the 700th name is added to the list of women and men who have died as a result of homelessness in Toronto. This month, six names are being added to the list, including a ‘Jane Doe’ and a ‘John Doe’ – two people whose identity […]
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Australia releases ambitious plan to cut homelessness in half
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd introduced yesterday (Sunday) an ambitious plan to half the overall number of people who are homeless, and ensure that everyone who is sleeping outside has shelter. The plan, set out in a white paper called "The Road Home", includes $1.2 billion over four years in new spending – and is […]
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Bad economy equals bad health: New CMA survey underlines urgent need for national strategy to reduce health inequalities
A bad economy means poor health, according to a new survey of Canadians released today by the Canadian Medical Association. The national report card on health care surveyed slightly more than 1,000 Canadians – and made front page news in The Globe and Mail. The survey confirms research by the Wellesley Institute, including Poverty Is Making […]