Wellesley Institute works in research and policy to improve health and health equity in the GTA through action on the social determinants of health.
In December 2024, Wellesley Institute invited partners, collaborators and colleagues who are key voices on food insecurity to participate in a Wellesley Institute policy lab. The objective of the lab was to further develop an idea Wellesley had published in a policy brief that proposed governments consider how they could ensure that the items in […]
Continue ReadingHealthy food affordability: Policy lab report Download PublicationHealthy food affordability: Policy lab report
Our system is failing older adults experiencing homelessness. They are showing up in Toronto’s shelters in increasing numbers and that already under-resourced system is unable to meet their unique needs. Shelters should never be long-term housing solutions for older adults, but immediate action is needed to enhance shelter programs so they can provide housing, health […]
Continue ReadingAging while homeless: The growing crisis of older adults in Toronto’s shelter system
Access to affordable food is a health equity issue. In this policy brief, Jesse Rosenberg, Rishika Wadehra and Dr. Kwame McKenzie recommend the Government of Canada set a price for a basket of nutritious food at a level which every household can afford and require grocers to make that basket available, at that price or […]
Continue ReadingPolicy Brief: Time to regulate food prices like a utility Download PublicationPolicy Brief
Although the City of Toronto 2024 budget takes bold steps toward supporting residents and advancing equity in key areas, there is much more work that needs to be done to build a city that is resilient, mentally healthy and equitable for all.
Cities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have some of the highest auto insurance rates in Ontario. Certain neighbourhoods are further impacted due to insurance assessments that determine certain areas as being higher risk. Those who live in areas outside of metropolitan centres often must rely on private vehicles to get them to and from […]
Continue ReadingEnding disparities in auto insurance premiums
Cold weather can have a devastating impact on people who are homeless, leading to hypothermia, frostbite and even death. Adequate shelter spaces and a safe and dignified outdoor outreach strategy are critical to supporting people living outdoors. The City of Toronto’s 2023 Winter Services Plan outlined steps to support those who are sheltering outdoors this […]
Continue ReadingWinter plan for people sheltering outdoors falls short
Wellesley Institute’s Pre-Budget Written Submission Canada has significant inequities in the social determinants of health, including housing, income, education, discrimination and access to health and social care. We also continue to see these inequities played out through the ongoing disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and long COVID on Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities, low-income […]
Continue ReadingFederal budget 2024: COVID highlights need for health equity
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.