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 engagement with and advocacy by Black communities, the City of Toronto partnered with the Wellesley Institute and Black Health Alliance to conduct a study and provide recommendations for the development of a Black Community Data Governance Framework. This builds on the City’s Data for Equity Strategy and Toronto Action Plan for Confronting Anti-Black Racism. Upon implementation, the framework will enable the City to use race-based data to identify barriers and improve its policies, programs and services for Black residents. The report marks a step forward in integrating Black data governance into the City’s existing policies, programs and frameworks to drive better outcomes for Black communities.