'Our community is a different place than it was two years ago': Vital Signs report shows problems growing
The London Community Foundation (LCF) launched its 2021 Vital Signs report, "Be the Change" on Thursday.
The report acts as a ‘pulse check’ on the state of the community,
“The report pains a picture of serious problems we’re facing,” says LCF’s Vital Signs Chair Dr. Jerry White.
“But it’s not just about numbers, it calls upon us all to take action and provides people with the tools to start making social change.”
The report launched with an online event and moderated panel discussion featuring several local thought leaders.
The discussion focused on how residents can work together to create a more just and equitable community.
According to the report, COVID-19 exacerbated existing inequalities and brought many pressing issues into sharp focus.
“Whether it be COVID-19 perpetuating issues like affordable housing or unemployment, increasing hate crimes or the traumatic legacy of residential schools, we are seeing a heightened awareness and the desire for people to become more engaged,” says Dr. White.
The report highlight six focuses. Housing, racial equality, well-being, gender equality, education, and food security.
The average price of rent in London increased by 7 per cent in 2020, and there are almost 6,000 individuals and families currently on the waitlist for social housing, and as of September over 1,300 individuals are experiencing homelessness.
“Good data is essential to informing social change efforts,” says Dr. White. “The London Vital Signs Data Hub is a long-term project that will require partnerships and collaboration of local organizations and government.”
LCF is inviting any local agencies who collect community-based data to contribute to this project.
“The goal is to track social trends over time and use that information to make positive changes that benefit our community” says Dr. White.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
BREAKING Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
Crypt near Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner could fetch US$400,000 at auction
A one-space mausoleum crypt in the vicinity of Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner will go on auction Saturday, when it is expected to reach between US$200,000 and $400,000.
This Toronto restaurant is no longer accepting tips. Here's how it's going
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff – tipping is no longer accepted.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.
What new auto insurance reforms will mean for Ontarians, if they get introduced
Ontario has among the highest rates for auto insurance premiums in Canada -- just below Alberta and Nova Scotia -- however, the introduction of an insurance reform in the provincial budget could soon lower prices.