Most economic indicators suggest that our community is experiencing steady growth. Yet, this success has not created equal opportunities and prosperity for everyone. Challenges such as precarious employment, income inequality, and lack of access to training and networks increase the risk of living in poverty, especially for Indigenous peoples, racialized, youth, and immigrant communities. As we noted in our 2019 report, Rebalancing the Opportunity Equation, income insecurity was growing for young people, immigrants, and racialized communities. For example, in real terms a young person in the GTA is earning less now than in 1980, and incomes for racialized groups have not increased in 35 years.
At United Way Greater Toronto, we aim to connect people with training and supports to develop their talents, acquire in-demand skills, and secure good jobs. At the same time, we are implementing approaches to meet real labour market needs by engaging employers so we can understand how jobseekers can fill those gaps.
As a partner, advocate, and community-builder, we take a multi-pronged approach to this complex issue, supporting solutions that provide industry-informed and sector-based skills, living wages, and training and wraparound supports, such as counselling, language training, and childcare, for ongoing success.
Please join United Way Greater Toronto in helping children and youth succeed by donating today.
