The Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy is the City of Toronto’s long-term strategy to address immediate needs, create pathways to prosperity, and drive systemic change for those living in poverty in the City. The Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy contains 17 recommendations to be achieved by 2035. Every four years, the Poverty Reduction Strategy releases a refreshed Action Plan that builds on the work of previous years. The strategy focuses on housing stability, services access, transit equity, food access, the quality of jobs and incomes, and systemic change.
By 2035, Toronto is a city with opportunities for all: a leader in the collective pursuit of justice, fairness and equity. We want to be renowned as a city where everyone has access to good jobs, adequate income, stable housing, affordable transportation, nutritious food, and supportive services.
1. Improve the quality of all affordable housing
2. Assist low-income individuals and families to secure and maintain affordable housing
3. Increase the supply of affordable housing
4. Increase service access and availability
5. Improve access to high-quality programs for children and youth
6. Make transit more affordable for low-income residents
7. Improve transit services in the inner suburbs
8. Eliminate hunger
9. Increase access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food
10. Improve the quality of and access to income supports
11. Create employment opportunities for low-income groups with high unemployment rates
12. Improve the quality of jobs
13. Leverage the economic power of the City to stimulate job growth, support local businesses, and drive inclusive economic growth
14. Create a seamless social support system
15. Coordinate and evaluate the implementation of the strategy
16. Engage City staff and residents on poverty reduction efforts
17. Dedicate funding to poverty reduction actions
The City of Toronto’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Office regularly reports on achievements and other updates related to the strategy. The following are links to previously published reports:
Activities taken under the Poverty Reduction Strategy are intended to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:
Ensure vital services are well funded, coordinated, and meet the immediate needs of those living in poverty.
Improve the quality of jobs in the city, attract investments to low-income areas, and ensure that City programs and services are integrated, client-centered, and focused on early intervention.
Create a more accountable and participatory government that integrates reducing poverty as part of day-to-day business and decision making.