Wellesley has joined the Supportive Housing for Ontario Table in calling on the Ontario government to ensure the supportive housing system meets the needs of all. Read our submission to the 2026 Budget consultation process. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/ontario-2026... @unitedwaygt.bsky.social

Hmm... If we only knew which level of government was responsible for policing and could adequately fund it. I wonder... I wonder if it's the same level of government responsible for adequately funding the courts so that they can hear cases in a timely manner and make better bail decisions?

Was pleased to present to Ontario's Budget Consultations on behalf of the Supportive Housing for Ontario Table. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the need for a 10 year plan to end homelessness in Ontario, including at least 40 000 supportive housing units. @wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)'s 2025 Homelessness Report Update reveals a worsening homelessness crisis across our province – and one which evidence demonstrates is devastating for health. The report also outlines how we can find our way out of this critical situation.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗧𝗔? If so, please complete our brief survey to help us update our equitable research compensation guidelines. To learn more or participate, please click here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/JN2VT3T

𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴! We are hiring a 12-month research contract position to support Wellesley Institute's projects which aim to improve health equity in Ontario. Deadline: Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. ET. Learn more: www.wellesleyinstitute.com/about/career...

The CMA spent a year studying public and private health models and consulting with more than 10,000 Canadians on the balance between the two. The evidence is clear: where a parallel private health system operates, both health outcomes and access to care are worse. Learn more 👇

The decline in life expectancy is one of Ontario’s biggest health emergencies ever, but it is going on under the radar. Our latest blog calls on Ontario to create a plan to reverse the decline. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/ontario-need...

Are you a Personal Support Worker working in Toronto? Wellesley Institute wants to hear from you! Help improve job quality for healthcare workers by taking our short, confidential, online survey. To learn more or participate: www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCS8JD5

Black & South Asian-origin populations in ON have some of the highest rates of diabetes - and are disproportionately affected by poverty, food insecurity and poor housing. Our paper shows how these are linked to a higher risk of diabetes & complications: www.wellesleyinstitute.com/examining-so...

We cannot sacrifice those in Canada who need our help the most in the service of other goals. Wellesley Institute would welcome the following included in next week's federal budget to help all Canadians thrive. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/federal-budg... @jesserosenberg.bsky.social #FederalBudget

Our latest policy brief gives recommendations to the Government of Canada to address the rising cost of essential foods, improve health, build local agriculture and supply lines. @jesserosenberg.bsky.social

Access to affordable, good food is a health equity issue - one that needs immediate action. Our latest policy brief reflects advice received from stakeholders & advocates who all agree- we must approach the goal of affordable, nutritious food in a new way: www.wellesleyinstitute.com/healthy-food...

Wellesley Institute and its commitment to urban health equity date back to 1911. Today, we're thrilled to unveil our new look, website and story. www.wellesleyinstitute.com www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX4s...

Climate change does not impact everyone equally in the GTA. Climate in the city, our latest research report, by Mauriene Tolentino, identifies 68 local initiatives aimed at strengthening climate resilience among equity-deserving communities. Read the report: lnkd.in/gmRF8beh

Not only are our long commutes in Toronto frustrating, they are also bad for our health. Wellesley Institute's director of policy @jesserosenberg.bsky.social makes the connection between housing affordability, and health outcomes in this @thestar.com article: www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc...

“The pace of oppression outstrips our ability to understand it. And that is the real trick of the Imperial thought machine. It's easier to hide behind 40 atrocities than a single incident” Every day this line feels more and more relevant.

Ontario has some of the highest rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in Canada, yet there are gaps in understanding who is most effected. Read our latest research report by @sophiejb.bsky.social, @christine-sheppard.bsky.social & Maura Eswaradas #CLSAFindings bit.ly/3If7DBP

Looking forward to providers (and anyone interested) getting their hands on these toolkits to help the health those in supportive housing.

Are you a policy professional interested in creating healthier workplaces for early childhood educators and personal support workers in the GTA? We're hiring a Policy Officer for a one-year contract. Learn more about this unique opportunity today. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/careers/poli...

They are - I helped write one. Municipalities are already involved in mental well-being, and it can make a big difference to mental health. We wrote about how they can have an even greater impact.

Our healthcare system is fragmented, making it difficult for Ontarians to navigate. Read our latest policy brief written by @jesserosenberg.bsky.social which provides policy recommendations intended to advance primary care attachment. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/publications...

There was good news in this Ontario budget, especially for community mental health. Also pleased to see new supportive housing units! But... we need the pace to increase a lot to end homelessness. Read more below!

We invited key voices on food insecurity to participate in a policy lab. Our objective? To further discuss our idea that governments can play a crucial role in ensuring nutritional food items are available at a price everyone can afford. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/publications...

We face three crises - attainability for those who want a better home, affordability for those who are struggling to afford somewhere to live, and homelessness. There are clear differences in approach and commitment from all three party platforms we reviewed on housing.

There are big differences between political parties on food. Unfortunately, none proposes to solve the problem - everyone must be able to afford healthy food. They all (at least sort of) recognize we need to find a way to work with the entire supply chain to lower prices... But find out how below!

This federal election no party commited to ending poverty, let alone ensuring everyone in Canada has the resources they need to thrive. But there are some measures that would help... and some very large reductions in revenue that are deeply concerning. Two more analyses to come very soon!

What do key voices on food insecurity have to say about Wellesley Institute’s proposal that food prices be regulated like a utility? Read the report from our recent policy lab. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/publications... #healthyfood #foodinsecurity

AI is challenging the power of art for healing, empowerment and better health. As Jemal Demeke writes: "What once seemed like a transformative way to connect with communities is now entangled in risks of exploitation and misuse." Read his latest blog. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/artificial-i...

Canada's federal election is April 28. Our 2025 Federal Election series details the issues Canada’s political leaders must address to strengthen health equity. First up: how can parties ensure everyone has what they need to live a healthy, engaged life? www.wellesleyinstitute.com/elections/20...

Canadian-company only TFSA contributions would be nightmare to administer and benefit less than 5% of pop'n. Why not match TFSA contributions 50/50 (similar to RESP) for those with incomes under $100K. Expand savings for everyone rather than boost for the top 1-2% who don't need more advantages.

Today is the last day to apply for our researcher position! Apply before the deadline this evening at 5:59 p.m. (ET). www.wellesleyinstitute.com/position-res...

Unfortunately, only two leadership candidates seem to have mentioned homelessness. We all deserve a plan that shows us homelessness will be eliminated, and that everyone can have a home that's affordable, healthy, and adequate to their need's. We won't just build our way out of those two crises

SESAME STREET WORKERS ARE UNIONIZING!!! ✊ This morning, workers at the nonprofit behind Sesame Street delivered their letter asking for voluntary recognition to management! Read all about it: www.opeiulocal153.org/news/employe...

We found some positives, and some gaps, in the visions of Liberal leadership candidates around ensuring everyone has what they need to thrive, and healthy food to eat.

What if we treated food like a utility? Similar to how water and electricity are regulated, healthy food should be available at a price every household can afford. Read the latest in our Federal Liberal leadership series. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/elections/fe...

I'd add to this a "And what did you do to change it?". If you poured your heart and soul for your years into improving the options, and you just can't bring yourself to do it, I think that's different then cocking an ear every four years and saying "Ew".

Voting is harm reduction. We do not vote for perfection but for progress, step by step. If you have to pinch your nose while you do it, then do it. But "They all suck" is defeatist BS that only benefits the worst people in politics.

Find your #Ontario voting location here: www.elections.on.ca/en.html You DO NOT NEED a voter information card in order to #vote Polls are open until 8pm

When it comes to getting everyone in Ontario what they need to thrive - to live a healthy, meaningful life, we saw some green shoots... But not the kind of ambition we need.

Does anyone in Canada do this kind of media analysis? Not on this topic...

Maybe you can't mask at your job, but you can mask at the grocery store. That's better than nothing. If you're afraid people will be weird to you, it's good practice to protect yourself in the face of social pressure not to.

Homelessness devastates health. But it's a problem with known, evidence-based solutions. Canada’s next Prime Minister must prove we can come together and end homelessness for good. Read the latest blog in our Federal Liberal leadership series. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/elections/fe...

This was a really promising sign. We can't just leave making nutritious food affordable to everyone to "the markets".

This week's #AIActionSummit in Paris called for inclusivity in AI. Yet there remains a lack of commitment to equity in Canada's own AI legislation. Researcher Jemal Demeke says the era of vague language in AI legislation must end. Read his latest blog. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/artificial-i...

If you have a subscription to @hilltimes.com check out @christine-sheppard.bsky.social and @jesserosenberg.bsky.social's latest op-ed about how Canada can improve long-term care if governments focus on data collection and health equity. www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/0...

NEW POST: Anti-DEI activists believe a 'neutral,' merit-based status quo was disrupted by 'wokeness'. It never existed. emmettmacfarlane.substack.com/p/anti-dei-a...

The City of Toronto budget makes important decisions on housing, transit, poverty and mental well-being. The 2025 budget must focus on these issues. Torontonians who are suffering today cannot wait until next year. Read our recommendations. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/publications...

People are always bringing kids to Jurassic Park/World type situations, despite that being one of the very first tips for new parents you get at the hospital.