LEADERSHIP, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND BELONGING

Do Torontonians feel connected?

Almost 7 in 10 Torontonians feel a strong sense of belonging to their local community, however, the rate diminishes for millennials:

> 68.9% of Torontonians 12 yrs. old and over report feeling a strong or somewhat strong sense of belonging, a big improvement from 55.9% in 2003 and higher than the national average (66.4%).

> Only 56.6% of young adults (20-34 yrs. old) report a strong or somewhat strong sense of belonging.

What are some of the barriers to civic participation and sense of belonging?

Rising precarious, or insecure employment affects voting:

> Workers (25-65 yrs. old) who are low-income or have less secure jobs are less likely to report that they always vote than those who are high-income or have more secure jobs (56.5% vs. 87.6%).

Representation on City Council still does not reflect the diversity of Toronto’s population:

> Visible minorities make up 49% of Toronto’s population, but in both the 2010 and 2014 municipal elections, visible minorities were elected to only 6 of 45 positions.

> While they make up 52% of the population, women comprise only 34% of elected city councillors.

Are Torontonians supporting our charitable sector?

The percentage of Torontonians claiming a charitable donation on their income tax return decreased, but the median donation increased:

> 21.6% of Toronto Region tax-filers declared a donation in 2013, placing us 24th of Canada’s 33 metros. > Since 1997, median charitable donations in the Region have risen 85%, from $200 to $370.