Since 1990 the gap between the rich and poor has increased in major cities across Canada. Last month, a report produced by the United Way of Toronto & York Region (The Opportunity Equation in the Greater Toronto Area) showed that neighbourhood income inequality and polarization is the worst in the Toronto region. The report’s findings reflect my experience working in public health and health services research: that high levels of income inequality are linked to lower levels of life expectancy and higher rates of teenage pregnancy, violence, imprisonment, mental illness, addiction and obesity. To truly ensure everyone in our community has an opportunity to achieve the best possible health outcomes we need support for organizations that help address these broad determinants of health.

The United Way organization supports a network of community agencies that work to effect positive change and to close the gap moving people “from poverty to possibility.”

I hope that you’ll join me and support those agencies working on the frontlines of change through a donation to the United Way. You can donate online here, or if you prefer to donate by cheque, donation instructions are available on this webpage. 

If you have any questions, please contact the U of T United Way Team at unitedway@utoronto.ca.

Wishing you the best of the season.

Vivek Goel
Vice-President, Research & Innovation
University of Toronto