Updates
The City Needs a Proper Response to Bill 5
Toronto’s governance challenges have existed for many years and the reduction in our Council size has only deepened these challenges. The city is due for a review of its governance model given innovations in municipal engagement practices, new research on electoral reform, and changes in provincial and federal approaches to areas such as housing and transit. As such, the Special Committee’s work is both urgent and overdue.
The City should develop a full and proper response to Bill 5. This requires a review of formal governance and of practices of public engagement. In our view, the Special Committee work plan should be extended for two years, giving it time to put forward robust and impactful recommendations to City Council. See the full letter to the Special Committee on Governance below:
We Support Toronto's Gender Equity Strategy!
Women, girls, and trans and non-binary people represent more than half of Toronto’s population. Yet they face higher rates of violence and poverty, and are underrepresented in leadership positions. A Gender Equality Office is an important step towards addressing inequality, and cities including New York, Los Angeles, Vienna, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa are already taking this step.
Thanks to years of work from advocates across Toronto, City staff have proposed the creation of Toronto's own Gender Equality Office, as well as an intersectional gender equity strategy!
The topic is on the agenda for the Executive Committee meeting taking place tomorrow, September 18. We've sent the following letter to Mayor Tory and Members of the Executive Committee to let them know they have our support in joining these cities on this important journey.
Want to help make systemic social change in Toronto? Join our Board!
2019 Call for Nominations to the Social Planning Toronto Board of Directors to Fill One Vacancy
Social Planning Toronto (SPT) is a non-profit, charitable community organization that works to improve equity, social justice, and quality of life in Toronto through community capacity building, community education and advocacy, policy research and analysis, and social reporting.
SPT is governed by a 15-person volunteer Board of Directors who are committed to the purposes and mission of SPT and to the important role of independent community social planning in helping to shape the quality of life for all of Toronto’s residents. There is currently one vacancy on the Board of Directors and SPT is seeking nominations to fill that vacancy. The term runs until May 2020 with re-election at the 2020 AGM.
We're Hiring! 2-Year Contract Position for a Financial Manager
Social Planning Toronto is looking for a full-time Financial Manager who will be responsible for the overall financial management and accounting of the organization including all the financial transactions involving the General Operations, Special Projects and Projects in Trust funds. He/she will also be responsible for the implementation of systems-level recommendations arising from a recent review of our financial processes and procedures.
Deadline for applications is Wednesday, October 2, 2019.
Need for Budget That Moves Toronto in the Right Direction More Urgent than Ever
Today a coalition of more than 70 Toronto community leaders, groups, and organizations urged Mayor John Tory and City Council to demonstrate what it means to build a budget that is for all people, especially the most vulnerable among us.
Read the full text of their open letter below.
New Videos Highlight Students' Experiences of Academic Streaming
Did you know that major changes are happening to education in Ontario — including funding cuts, increased class sizes, and mandatory e-learning? Last week, Social Planning Toronto, the Coalition for Alternatives to Streaming in Education (CASE), and Working Women Community Centre hosted a panel to discuss how these changes might impact academic streaming, equity, and the state of public education in Ontario.
Announcing our Frances Lankin Award Recipients for 2019
Toronto's neighbourhoods and communities are shaped by people who inspire and connect us. Every year, Social Planning Toronto honours extraordinary individuals with our Frances Lankin Community Service Award.
We are thrilled to announce this year's recipients!
Take Action for Equitable Housing in Jane–Finch!
Are you experiencing rising rents, or concerned about new developments and housing affordability in Jane–Finch? Are you interested in learning from other resident groups and experts on how to improve housing conditions in the neighbourhood? Come to the Jane–Finch Housing Town Hall!
RSVP for SPT's 2019 Annual General Meeting
The Board of Directors of Social Planning Toronto
Invite you to attend the 2019
Annual General Meeting
Want to help shape the quality of life for all of Toronto’s residents? Join our Board!
Call for Nominations to the Social Planning Toronto Board of Directors
Social Planning Toronto is a non-profit, charitable community organization that works to improve equity, social justice, and quality of life in Toronto through community capacity building, community education and advocacy, policy research and analysis, and social reporting.