City Politics: Past promises and present-day accomplishments

BY STEVEN KASZAB

Gaps exist within our social service and governmental assistance, gaps with a racial overtone to them.

Our government says they are working towards establishing equality within our society and community, but whether we look at private, or public organizations, there is a huge difference between the services created and offered to our diverse society.

On a weekly basis, for every dollar earned by a White man in 2023: racialized men earn 90 cents, White women earn 80 cents, Black men earn 77 cents, racialized women earn 71 cents. In 2023 Black women earned 68 cents. This inequality also is found in our educational and healthcare systems. To think what this inequality does to migrants, refugees is more bizarre.

A petition was sent to Toronto’s New Mayor Olivia Chow coming from Birth Mark, an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for pregnant individuals. It was a call to the Mayor and City Council, asking the city to prioritize pregnant people for shelter spaces, beds and also to expand family shelters. One can imagine just how difficult it is to find a safe shelter these days, but imagine the special situation that exists for a pregnant woman. The woman and child’s healthcare needs to be considered, as to the environment they will be staying in.

Clean well-planned shelters for those with special needs should have been a priority for municipalities long ago, but the financial always got in the way. Money for foreign nations, those who are at war in fact, is often promised and allotted, but what about Ottawa and Queens Park’s own backyard? The Province will play the “It is their responsibility,” pointing to the Federal Government, who will return the response in kind.

Years ago the City of Toronto proclaimed itself an open city, a city welcoming all in need, whether they be migrants, refugees, mentally ill, homeless, yet the city failed to bring its promises to fruition. Like the federal government, city councils could make good P.R. promises, but not find the necessary funds to accomplish anything concrete. Gillian Cullen and many of us say these empty promises must stop, and real time investments into building, providing the needy with shelter and service must begin in haste.

Refugees and migrants need to be assisted, and the city administration is closest to their lived situation. Well-built homes will last a long time, making the protection not just for pregnant people, but also for all who seek our help. Family shelters will also protect the family unit, keeping the support system for the most vulnerable on track.

Gillian Cullen (CEO-Founder of Birth Mark) says these new shelters will demonstrate Toronto and all municipalities’ commitment to building a compassionate and inclusive society. Find the gaps within our system and change the system’s pathways.

Can Olivia Chow, the City Council and Queens Park come through with the needed goods? Always take care of your own back yard before promising charity to the rest of the world.