Elevating community priorities for an equitable recovery: York Region

With a provincial election in spring and a municipal election in fall 2022, we have opportunities over the coming year to collectively advocate for an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to address structural inequities to build a fairer and more equitable GTA.

Policy, advocacy and purpose-driven partnerships are integral to poverty elimination and the historical inequities and systemic discrimination at its root.

As we develop our public policy engagement plans for 2022, we need you to help shape United Way Greater Toronto’s policy and advocacy priorities. You’ve spent the last year meeting enormous challenges head-on. With the rise of Omicron and ongoing housing and income insecurity, we want to understand:

• What are the greatest needs in your communities and what are you hearing from individuals and families accessing your services?
• What barriers is the sector facing in meeting service and support needs?
• What are the opportunities for collaboration across government and the community services and corporate sectors to define and implement solutions?

To make the best use of your time, we will be breaking out into groups to allow for more focused discussions. We have identified four priority areas we think are critical to an equitable recovery. Each of these priority areas converge with Canada's reconciliation journey and broader social and structural inequities held in place by systemic discrimination and racism.

During registration, please indicate your first and second choice of breakout groups. We will do our best to accommodate your first choice:

Social Services Sector

Sector modernization and stabilization to meet the challenges of the future; government support and funding; coordination with government and other institutions; cross-sector collaboration and systems solutions; public policy and advocacy capacity; settlement sector support. 

Income Security and Employment

Income security reform; expanding employment pathways; wrap-around supports; Community Benefit Agreements; social procurement; employment social enterprises to expand employment pathways for equity-deserving populations.

Affordable Housing and Homelessness

Affordable and deeply affordable housing and homelessness supports; systemic solutions to prevent homelessness; culturally appropriate access to basic needs and services, mental health, substance use and crisis supports.  

Strong Neighbourhoods

Equitable local economic recovery and inclusive growth; community safety and wellbeing; place-based strategies and neighbourhood planning to drive improved economic stability and growth; neighbourhood-based Community Benefits Frameworks.

If you have any questions about this event or require any accommodation, please don't hesitate to reach out to Mickey Tankosic at mtankosic@uwgt.org