More than 200 Canadians attempt suicide every day and opioid deaths have increased 90 per cent since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing what mental health services are available could be a lifeline for those in crisis.
Caregivers, both paid and unpaid, support some of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in Canada. As 69 per cent of caregivers reported deteriorating mental health last year, a collapse of the formal and informal caregiving system would be catastrophic for communities across the country.
COVID-19 has 70 percent of Canadians concerned about their ability to pay bills and Canada has a gendered poverty problem — understanding their trauma around money could be a step towards financial literacy.
While co-ops led by people of colour have been on the rise in the U.S., the same cannot be said for Canada, where co-ops remain mostly white, according to the experiences of people of colour. But, inclusion in the co-operative sector is vital as marginalized groups work to build economic self-sufficiency in a post-pandemic world.
Food affordability has been a crisis on a steep incline since the start of the pandemic. Now, it’s getting even worse with inflation. While food banks, community kitchens, and other similar services have been in emergency mode, trying to survive, they’re pushing for deeper policy change that will get to the root of these issues.
