Vision Statement – Poverty Reduction Strategy

The City’s implementation of the Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy evolves based on the needs of community. 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.

The Strategy’s Second Term Action Plan (2019-2022) made good progress towards the Strategy’s 17 City Council-approved recommendations

 

 

The Toronto Poverty Reduction Strategy contains 17 recommendations to be achieved by 2035. The strategy focuses on six thematic areas:

Housing Stability

  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

Service Access

  1. Increase service access and availability
  2. Improve access to high-quality programs for children and youth

Transit Equity

  1. Make transit more affordable for low-income residents
  2. Improve transit services in the inner suburbs

Food Access

  1. Eliminate hunger
  2. Increase access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food

Quality Jobs and Livable Wages

  1. Improve the quality of and access to income supports
  2. Create employment opportunities for low-income groups with high unemployment rates
  3. Improve the quality of jobs

Systemic Change

  1. Leverage the economic power of the City to stimulate job growth, support local businesses, and drive inclusive economic growth
  2. Create a seamless social support system
  3. Coordinate and evaluate the implementation of the strategy
  4. Engage City staff and residents on poverty reduction efforts
  5. Dedicate funding to poverty reduction actions

Activities taken under the Poverty Reduction Strategy are intended to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

Address Immediate Needs

Ensure vital services are well funded, coordinated, and meet the immediate needs of those living in poverty.

Create Pathways to Prosperity

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.

Drive Systemic Change

Create a more accountable and participatory government that integrates reducing poverty as part of day-to-day business and decision making