United Way leaders identify Housing Security, Income Security and Inclusive Employment, Inclusive Communities and Support for the Social Services Sector as social issues of focus.
July 6, 2022 – Yesterday morning, United Way leaders from across Ontario addressed an open letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet calling for a commitment to action in working to alleviate the unignorable social issues that impede the development of a strong and vibrant economy for all – through public policies and programs that will enable all Ontarians to house, feed and support our families.
Ontario’s United Ways have been working throughout the pandemic with elected leaders by integrating networks of agencies and cross-sector partnerships to identify priorities and, by escalating concerns and sharing resources to support those most disproportionately impacted by poverty — Indigenous, Black or racialized peoples, people with disabilities, those living in low-income neighbourhoods, 2SLGBTQ+ people, women, newcomers, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. The open letter recommends four issue areas to focus on together in order to build a strong and vibrant Ontario:
- Housing Security
- Income Security and Inclusive Employment
- Inclusive Communities
- Support for the Social Services Sector
United Ways across Ontario acknowledge positive steps made by the government through specific public policy like the Homelessness Prevention Program and the $13.2 billion dollar child-care agreement with the federal government but encourage Premier Ford and Ministers to do more through public policy change.
The letter also calls on the Province continue to show leadership by investing in the funding and implementation of the Community Safety and Well-being plans they have developed. United Way leaders warn that, against the backdrop of COVID-19, the growing anti-Indigenous, anti-Black, anti-Asian hate and Islamophobia is further widening the poverty gap and asks for a concerted effort to build more inclusive communities.
This call for action recommends specific action such as expanding affordable housing options, establishing a living wage, hiring more addictions and mental health workers, improving access to services and initiatives focused on underserved, equity-deserving communities, and to work with the community services sector in a united way.
