This provincial election, let’s take action on poverty any way we can

United Way Greater Toronto is committed to fighting poverty, improving social conditions and driving systems change to build more equitable communities where everyone has access to the building blocks they need to thrive. Among our most vital partners in this important work are governments at all levels. Indeed, they are key to policy change that can be truly transformative. That’s why this provincial election, we encourage you to make the most of your opportunities to engage and share your thoughts on the issues and solutions that matter to you. As you talk to candidates at the door or read more about different parties’ platforms, check where they’re at on these critical issues we identified in our 2025 Pre-Budget Submission: 

Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, but the cost of housing today outstrips most budgets, and has life-altering impacts on those living on low income. We know that in addition to years-long subsidized housing waiting lists, we’re seeing more people on the streets and in parks, where they are even more vulnerable. According to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, there are more than 81,500 people homeless in our province. We need: 

Nothing demonstrates financial precarity more than the increase in food insecurity. According to Daily Bread Food Bank’s most recent Who’s Hungry report, last year there were 3.49 million client visits to Toronto food banks. Almost one million more than the previous year. Even full-time employment is no guarantee people won’t need to join foodbank lines, not when minimum wage is $17.20/hour while the Ontario Living Wage Network has calculated the actual cost of living in the GTA as $26/hour. Survival becomes even more challenging for those on fixed income supports like the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works (OW), $1,368 and $733/month respectively, vital funds that are often clawed back, as people try to transition into employment. We need: 

Our province is on track to reach nine million within the next decade. Although growth brings opportunities, it also brings challenges like gentrification and displacement. We must ensure that the community service organizations that so many rely on and that continue to meet growing needs are able to remain in the communities they serve. We need: 

This election don’t miss out on your chance to learn where candidates stand on the critical social and economic issues affecting our communities. Let’s play a part in making the GTA better for all – any way we can.