In Toronto, poverty kills.That is one of the stark messages in Vital Signs, the Toronto Foundation’s annual snapshot of the city’s quality of life, being released Wednesday.According to the report, a compilation of the latest statistics and studies in 10 areas including health, income, housing and learning, Toronto’s mortality rate is 16 per cent higher for low-income residents than it is for the wealthy.Read more:Report says Indigenous people in Toronto are far more likely to be homeless, unemployed and hungryFrom ‘barely surviving’ to thriving: Ontario basic income recipients report less stress, better healthLiberals say poverty-reduction plan will focus on addressing income inequalityIt means there are 64 more deaths for every 100,000 Torontonians living in poverty compared to the number of deaths among rich residents, says the report, citing a recent city public health analysis. It is one of hundreds of statistics in the report that for the first time uses an “equity lens” to show how quality of life in the city varies dramatically depending on income, neighbourhood, race, immigration status, gender and age.The report acknowledges Toronto has much to celebrate — its population is growing, its skyline is rising and its economy is booming. But many residents are not sharing in the city’s wealth and opportunity. And that undermines Toronto’s commitment to fairness, the report warns.By highlighting the disparities in opportunity and access, rather than “erasing them with averages,” the foundation hopes to spark a conversation with policy-makers, residents and philanthropists on where best to focus attention and resources.The foundation administers almost $500 million in assets for individuals, families and organizations who want their charitable donations used to improve Toronto’s quality of life.With a provincial and municipal election this year, foundation CEO Sharon Avery says she h ...
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