In December 2022, just after the most recent Toronto municipal election, toronto.com published op-eds co-authored by members of the Just Recovery Action Committee highlighting the shared priorities for a just and equitable recovery and the challenges faced by the community sector to respond to these issues:
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Community Sector Funding & Support
- "A sector pushed to Its limits — why Toronto needs the mayor and city council to invest in the community services sector," co-authored by SPT, Malvern Family Resource Centre,and College Montrose Children’s Place.
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Food Security & Poverty
- "The alarm bells on poverty levels have been ringing — are the mayor and Toronto councillors listening?," co-authored by SPT, Fort York Food Bank, and North York Harvest Food Bank.
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Keeping Tenants Housed
- "Keeping tenants housed: Why the mayor and Toronto city council need to prioritize helping tenants at risk of homelessness," co-authored by Social Planning Toronto, Flemingdon Health Centre, and The Neighbourhood Organization.
What Does Toronto Need for a Just and Equitable Pandemic Recovery: Bold Ideas for Change
During the 2022 municipal election, members of the Just Recovery Action Committee participated on panel discussions to share their insights on the importance of 5 key issues relevant to a just and equitable recovery:
Part One:
In our first panel, we tackled affordable housing, food security, and challenges facing the community sector. Moderator Alex Dow, UWGT's Director of Neighbourhood Initiatives, led a fascinating discussion with panelists Sharmini Fernando (Executive Director, Syme Woolner Neighbourhood and Family Centre), Ryan Noble (Executive Director, North York Harvest Food Bank), and Walied Khogali (Community Leader, Toronto Centre – Ward 13).
Part Two:
Our second panel focussed on community-based alternatives to policing, and harm reduction & mental health. Lori Galway, UWGT's Director of Public Affairs, moderated a complex and rich dialogue with speakers Angela Robertson (Executive Director, Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre), Cynthia Bell (Executive Director, ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency), and and Serena Nudel (Director of Community Programs, The Neighbourhood Group Community Services).