What our love of Heated Rivalry tells us about the state of queer sports in Canada
Why It Matters
Canada celebrates itself as a global leader in inclusive sport, yet Heated Rivalry’s popularity reveals how far professional leagues still lag behind public attitudes. The show’s success signals a demand for authentic queer representation — and a reminder that real athletes still face barriers fiction can only imagine away.
Canadian foundations back non-profit networks to help fix “piecemeal” core funding
Why It Matters
Provincial and territorial non-profit networks advocate for policy change and conduct critical sector research. Examples include the Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Alberta Nonprofit Network. Several of these networks do not seek funding from certain sources in order to remain neutral in their advocacy work, which can make future planning and sustainability a challenge.
Canada’s mental health system is “disjointed”, volunteer data analysts reveal service gaps
Why It Matters
Data sharing remains a point of “paralysis” for the Canadian mental health sector, experts say. This first-of-its-kind datathon will soon give rise to a new Community of Practice in the sector, to enable ongoing collaboration.
Why the U.S. Racial Equity Audit is being adapted for Canadian companies
Why It Matters
In response to pressure from shareholders, most major banks in Canada enlisted third-party racial equity auditors. These evaluate a company’s internal culture and employee experience, and its external-facing products and services. In Canada, companies need to adhere to specific standards when carrying out such audits, including respecting Indigenous culture and data sovereignty, and compensating participants appropriately for their time.
An easier way to find mental health help for young people: The Youth Mental Health Ecosystem
Why It Matters
A centralized mental health support platform can make it easier for youth to find proper support. It also opens opportunities for organizations to collaborate and extend their reach.