The City of Toronto’s Data for Equity Strategy aims to support City divisions in collecting socio-demographic data to analyze, use and apply disaggregated data to inform equitable program planning and service delivery. Approved by City Council in November 2020, the Data for Equity Strategy is the first of its kind at the municipal level in the world.
The Data for Equity Guidelines provide guidance to City of Toronto divisions on why, when and how to collect and manage socio-demographic data in a consistent manner. The guidelines also provide advice on sharing and reporting on data that is broken down by socio-demographic groups for equity purposes, as well as considerations in meeting privacy and information management requirements.
The First Nations, Inuit and Métis Data and Technology Circle provides ongoing support, guidance and advice to City of Toronto divisions and partners on Indigenous data collection and digital technology initiatives.
The Circle comprises an Elder and 13 members from diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, representing Indigenous organizations and individuals with interests and expertise related to Indigenous data governance.
In response to the City’s ongoing work with Black communities, the City of Toronto partnered with Wellesley Institute and the Black Health Alliance to develop a Black Community Data Governance Framework. The framework builds on the City’s Data for Equity Strategy and the Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism. It creates a foundation for how race-based data can be collected and used in ways that reflect the experiences and needs of Black communities.
The next step in this work was the development of a Black Community Data Governance Implementation Plan. This plan outlines how race-based data can be included in City policies, programs and decision-making.
Together, the framework and implementation plan are an important step toward helping the City better identify systemic barriers and improve outcomes for Black residents.