Rents are too high. For many people, even those with stable, well-paying jobs, the dream of owning a home feels out of reach.

Since 2014, The average purchasing cost of a home in Ontario has skyrocketed from $412,000 to $868,000 in 2024. Meanwhile, average rents have increased 54.5% over the same period.

These soaring housing costs are creating widespread challenges and hardship across the province. Given the housing crunch, it shouldn’t be a surprise that homelessness has surged in recent years. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario found that homelessness in the province has risen 25% since 2022. In Toronto, 7,958 people were actively homeless in January of 2018. Today, that figure has climbed to 11,114.

2SLGBTQ+ youth are more likely to be homeless due to family rejection and discrimination. 25 to 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as 2SLGBTQ+. 

Trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse community members face unique challenges in securing stable housing. The Trans Pulse Canada study revealed that 25% of the people in their study had significant difficulty meeting monthly housing costs. Furthermore, 10% said they lost housing based on their identity, a figure that rises to 20% for Indigenous participants.   43% reported discrimination from landlords based on their gender. Gender-diverse people who had experienced homelessness were much more  likely to have slept in a public place than cisgender women. 

For many 2SLGBTQ+ people, continued family rejection means they cannot rely on family support during difficult times. The “bank of mom and dad,” which many rely on to buy their first home is closed. 

2SLGBTQ+ seniors are also particularly vulnerable, as they are  much more likely to live alone and without children. For them, a renoviction or a sudden rent increase can be financially devastating.

Rent Control

In 2018, new buildings were made exempt from rent control, meaning that there’s no limit on how much rents can go up for apartments built after 2018.  Studies show that exempting units from rent control leads to higher rents, while creating unpredictability for renters. 

The next Ontario Government should re-institute rent control for all rental units and eliminate unjust above guidelines rent increases. Additionally, limiting the amount that landlords can raise rents when a tenant moves out – called vacancy control – would help limit the financial incentive landlords  have to unjustly evict tenants.

Investing in Housing 

Provincial investment in non-profit and cooperative housing is a vital and sustainable long-term solution to the housing crisis.  Social housing is the responsibility of government and building it cannot be left to private developers. Ontario is the only province where the responsibility for social housing has been given to cities. The next government should  commit to making the level of investment needed and build at least 100,000 new non-profit and co-op homes that will be a permanent part of the solution to the housing crises. 

Tax Incentives for Developers

Provincial tax credits and exemptions should be leveraged to accelerate housing development. Tying these incentives to the creation of diverse housing options—such as homes for families, seniors, and individuals requiring supportive housing—will ensure that housing is built for people, not just as an investment vehicle.

Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ People Experiencing Homelessness

We need to Increase funding for wrap-around support services to help transition women and gender diverse people out of homelessness to permanent and stable housing.

By allocating a set-aside of 25% of housing programs such as the Homelessness Prevention Program and new community housing units, to support women and gender diverse people, including those at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, we can ensure that 2SLGBTQ+ get the support they deserve.

We also need to develop a mandated target of affordable housing funding through the Ontario Infrastructure Bank, to benefit women and gender diverse people, as well as their dependents.

A Real Definition of Affordable Housing

When governments and housing developers talk about building ‘affordable housing’, they define affordable as 80% of Average Market Rent (AMR), which is $1,165 for a bachelor apartment—not affordable at all!

Programs and policies focused on ‘affordable housing’ development (such as inclusionary zoning), only mandate affordability for a short period of time and for a small number of units (for example, 5% of the entire development). This means that for-profit developers sometimes get rewarded for building lots of ‘affordable’ housing with tax breaks and incentives, without offering real long-term affordability.

The next provincial government should invest in affordable housing in a real and transparent way, where ‘affordable housing’ is consistent with the actual cost-of-living, and tax incentive programs and inclusionary zoning bylaws promise permanent affordability for 100% of the units in the development.

• What specific steps will you take to make housing more affordable for renters and homeowners in our province?
• Will you reinstate rent control for all rental units, including those built after 2018, to ensure stability and affordability for renters?
• How will your government support the development of affordable housing units, including non-profit and cooperative housing, to meet the needs of all communities?
• How do you plan to tackle the issue of renovictions and ensure tenants have stronger protections from unjust eviction practices?
• What will you do to support homeless individuals and families, especially those who are marginalized, such as 2SLGBTQ+ youth, Indigenous communities, and racialized groups?
•  What measures will you put in place to ensure that new housing developments are not just profit-driven but also serve the public good and address community needs?
• What is your plan to combat discrimination and exclusion in the housing market, especially for 2SLGBTQ+ people?
• Will you commit to a definition of affordable housingthat is actually affordable for low-income people? At rates people on OW and ODSP can actually afford?
• How do your incentives for housing developers create long-term, sustainable housing that is affordable to low-income renters?

Timely, accessible, and affirming health care is a basic human right, but Ontario has struggled for years to keep up with a growing and ageing population. This crisis is evident in the longer wait times for both basic and emergency services, and in the alarming rise in Ontarians without a family doctor – 2.5 million in 2023, up from 1.8 million in 2020. 

A provincial election is a critical opportunity to choose leaders that will invest in Ontarians’ health and wellbeing and build a healthcare system that ensures accessible care for everyone.

2SLGBTQ+ people face built-in obstacles that make it harder to access the healthcare they need. These challenges are only made worse by an underfunded and overwhelmed healthcare system.

Accessing primary care and paying for prescription drugs is a problem across Ontario. For 2SLGBTQ+  people, finding a family doctor is made  more challenging given a continued lack of primary care providers who understand and respect the specific health needs of our communities. For people living with HIV/AIDS, Ontario’s patchwork of drug coverage for leaves many continuing to have to pay out of pocket for their medication. The same goes for people wanting to access PrEP.  

While most gender-affirming surgeries are covered by OHIP, a shortage of qualified surgeons and clinics leads to long wait times and forces many trans Ontarians to travel—sometimes to other provinces or countries—to receive essential care. Trans Ontarians deserve better, and increased investment in trans-affirming healthcare is urgently needed.

Additionally, OHIP continues to deny or restrict access to some gender-affirming surgeries, creating unnecessary and harmful barriers. Some procedures—such as breast augmentation for trans women—have stricter, often discriminatory requirements compared to other gender-affirming surgeries. No one should be forced to pay out-of-pocket for life-saving care.

Ontario’s HIV/AIDS sector is in dire need of funding. Coverage for easy-to-access HIV prevention and care keeps Ontarians safe and healthy. These organizations also do important education and outreach work to help 2SLGBTQ+ people and others who might be at risk understand their health needs.

OHIP’s understanding of gender-affirming care is often narrow and uninformed. Top and bottom surgeries may be crucial parts of someone’s transition, but patients may also feel they need treatments like facial feminization or electrolysis, which aren’t covered. OHIP should take their lead from trans patients, who know their own needs best.

Healthcare providers also need more training to be inclusive to our communities. Ontario needs more surgeons who are qualified to do gender-affirming surgeries so that patients don’t have to wait or travel to get the care they need. City centres like Toronto also need more family doctors, so urban communities, including 2SLGBTQ+ people, can get reliable care.

• How do you plan to address the shortage of family doctors, so that  2SLGBTQ+ communities and all Ontarians can access affirming primary care?
• Will you support implementing universal drug coverage for HIV/AIDS medications, a to ensure that no Ontarian is denied life-saving treatment and prevention due to cost?Will you commit to expanding OHIP coverage for gender-affirming procedures?
• How will you ensure that trans patients have a say in what gender-affirming care is covered by OHIP?
• What steps will you take to increase the number of surgeons qualified to perform gender-affirming surgeries in Ontario?
• What policies will you implement to improve training for healthcare providers on 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming care?

Our city and province are experiencing a drug poisoning and overdose crisis. In 2023, there were 2,647 deaths related to opioids in 2023. In 2014, there were 676. The passing of Bill 223 has forced the closure of many safe consumption sites, leaving people who use substances at an even greater risk of overdose and death. Without these critical harm reduction services, more lives will be lost.

While mental health is widely recognized as a priority, many Ontarians simply can’t afford a therapist. Access to affordable and publicly funded mental health services is essential, yet the current system leaves too many people without the care they need. Ontario needs a provincial government that is committed to fully addressing the mental health crisis and ensuring care is accessible to all.

2SLGBTQ+ communities are more likely to experience discrimination , hate and violence, and may have less access to support systems at home, at school, or in the workplace. The result is higher rates of mental illness and substance use. Nearly one third of 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians say they have poor mental health, while 40% of trans people have attempted suicide. 2 Spirit, queer, and trans people also experience higher rates of substance use.

2SLGBTQ+ communities face higher rates of discrimination, hate, and violence, often with limited access to support at home, school, and the workplace. This systemic exclusion and marginalization contribute to significantly higher rates of mental illness and substance use.

The statistics back this up:  Nearly one third of 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians say they have poor mental health. 40% of trans people have attempted suicide – a devastating statistic that highlights the urgent need for better mental health support. 2 Spirit, queer, and trans people also experience higher rates of substance use.

Addressing these disparities requires urgent investment in accessible, inclusive mental health and harm reduction services to ensure 2SLGBTQ+ individuals receive the support they need to thrive.

The Ontario government must expand mental health supports and harm reduction services. People’s lives don’t stop mattering just because they use drugs or experience a mental health crisis.

We need policies that invest in holistic recovery and support programs—ones that recognize harm reduction as a crucial part of a comprehensive system to help those struggling with addiction.

It’s time to treat mental health with the same urgency as physical health. This means real investment in community-based mental health supports, including crisis workers to provide immediate intervention, Low-barrier therapy to ensure affordability and accessibility, and Community-specific mental health workers who understand the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups.

Expanding these services will help build a more compassionate and effective system that supports all Ontarians in times of crisis.

• Will you commit to increasing long-term funding for community-based mental health supports, including crisis workers and low-barrier therapy?
• Many Ontarians, especially marginalized communities, struggle to access affordable therapy. What is your plan to expand mental health care coverage under OHIP?
• How will you ensure mental health services are culturally competent and accessible to 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities?
• With the passage of Bill 223 leading to the closure of safe consumption sites, overdose deaths will rise. Will you support reopening and expanding harm reduction services to prevent further loss of life?
• How will your government invest in harm reduction as part of a broader strategy that includes addiction treatment, housing, and mental health support?
• Do you support shifting Ontario’s approach to drug use from a criminal justice model to a public health model focused on treatment and harm reduction?

The path to Canada is often marked by uncertainty and exploitation for refugees, and even more challenges arise once they arrive. Many refugees begin their journey in Ontario by staying in shelters, on the streets, or couch-surfing, struggling to access the support they need to navigate the complex and lengthy settlement process.

People seeking refuge in Ontario contribute so much to our communities and our province.  Supporting newcomers and refugees is critical to Ontario’s future and prosperity, but refugees in Ontario often lack the crucial social and financial support needed to truly call Ontario home.

LGBTQ+ people are criminalized in 64 countries. That means they can be charged, go to jail, and in some cases even be executed for their sexuality or gender identity.  In many more countries, LGBTQ+ individuals endure such extreme hostility that living openly and with pride is impossible.

Once refugees arrive in Ontario, they often encounter significant challenges, particularly in securing healthcare and housing. In addition, they may not be able to turn to their own cultural communities for support, as these communities may not be accepting of their sexuality or gender identity. Moreover, some may experience a lack of understanding or empathy from immigration lawyers or the refugee board, further complicating their settlement process.

Ontario has long been a leader in providing safety and refuge for LGBTQ+ individuals, and this support must continue. Ontario is enriched by the cultural diversity and the contributions of individuals who are given the opportunity to thrive. Providing safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ refugees is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive Ontario.

Housing Funding

The Interim Housing Assistance Program which helps refugees find housing, is funded through a shared responsibility between the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Increased provincial funding is crucial to ensure that LGBTQ+ refugees in Ontario do not face homelessness upon arrival. This support will help them find stable housing and avoid falling into the cycle of homelessness, uncertainty and vulnerability.

Settlement and Language Training

In 2023, the provincial government provided a one-time increase of $13 million for settlement and language training for asylum seekers. While this funding was a step in the right direction, it was only available for one year. Settlement and language training are essential for newcomers to successfully integrate into Ontario—enabling them to access the labor market, connect with their communities, and build fulfilling lives. Ongoing funding is necessary to provide these services consistently and to help newcomers truly call Ontario home.

Employment Support

Ontario can harness the expertise and skills of refugees and newcomers by continuing to invest in reducing barriers to credential recognition for internationally educated professionals. Targeted and increased  funding for entrepreneurship and employment training programs will provide newcomers with the tools they need to succeed in the Ontario workforce. This kind of targeted investment will benefit both individuals and the province as a whole, contributing to economic growth and community enrichment. 

Nonprofit Funding

Organizations like The 519 help refugees through the settlement process and with legal challenges. We also have programs that give refugees opportunities to make friends, learn important integration skills, and gain Canadian experience. . However, many of these organizations face long waiting lists for their services due to limited funding. Increased provincial funding is needed to help The 519 and other similar organizations better serve refugees, ensuring they have access to the support and resources they need to thrive in Ontario.

• What steps will you take to increase provincial funding for the Interim Housing Assistance Program to ensure LGBTQ+ refugees have access to safe housing upon arrival in Ontario?
• How will you ensure that LGBTQ+ refugees escaping persecution are not at risk of homelessness due to inadequate housing support?
• What measures will you take to improve access to language training programs for refugees and asylum seekers to help them succeed in Ontario’s workforce and society?
• What is your plan for addressing the barriers to credential recognition for internationally educated professionals and ensuring refugees can pursue careers that match their skills?
• How will you increase investment in entrepreneurship and employment training for refugees to help them gain the skills needed to contribute to Ontario’s economy?
• How do you plan to ensure that nonprofit organizations supporting refugees, particularly those assisting with legal challenges and settlement, have the resources they need to operate effectively?

Groceries, rent, phone plans, internet, clothes — everything seems to cost more than ever. While Ontarians struggle with skyrocketing prices, companies are reporting record profits.

For many in Ontario, especially those in lower- and middle-income households, no amount of saving or hard work seems to keep up with rising costs. For those relying on Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), the struggle to get by is even more challenging. Every month, many  face the impossible choice between paying rent and buying food. Meeting basic needs has become a daily challenge—let alone finding joy in life.

Job precarity is on the rise, with many workers facing unstable, low-wage employment and limited benefits. Despite the hard work of those earning minimum wage, it’s still not enough to make ends meet, leaving too many people one unexpected cost away from financial crisis.

2SLGBTQ+ people are more likely to have lower incomes, and may rely on social assistance like OW or ODSP.  Even 2SLGBTQ+ people who aren’t living on low-incomes are still living feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis. Skyrocketing housing costs mean 2SLGBTQ+ people with stable, well-paying jobs can’t buy a house like their parents could, despite doing everything they were told would make that possible for them.

Like all communities, the cost of living crisis affects the sense of security and stability of 2SLGTQ+ people.  For queer and trans people, issues like increased financial strain are exacerbated by a lack of equitable employment opportunities, systemic discrimination, and wage gaps faced by the community. These financial pressures create additional challenges, like increased mental health challenges,  having to make tough choices like  covering the cost of necessary medication or paying rent.

At The 519, we’ve seen how the cost of groceries creates a real burden for our community members, with hundreds of thousands of meals distributed through our meal program over the past year. We also see how social events and gatherings – crucial for our mental health and wellbeing – are often the first things to go when times are tight.

OW and ODSP must drastically raise their rates to keep up with the rising cost of living. For example, the maximum shelter allowance for a single person on ODSP is $582, but there haven’t been apartments for rent for $582 in Toronto since the 1990s.

Every worker deserves to make a fair wage. Raising the minimum wage to a level that ensures that workers and families aren’t relying on food banks and other supports to survive. For 2SLGBTQ+ youth, who may not have access  to family support, and newcomers, who are building their new life in Ontario, increasing the minimum wage will help our community members have a better shot at financial stability and independence

• Do you believe that the current rates for Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) are sufficient to meet the rising cost of living in Ontario, particularly in cities like Toronto? Would you support increasing these rates to reflect the true cost of housing and basic needs?
• Given that the maximum shelter allowance for a single person on ODSP is $582, which hasn’t been sufficient to cover rental costs for decades, what measures would you take to address housing affordability for people with disabilities?
• What comprehensive strategies would you put in place to ensure that vulnerable communities, including 2SLGBTQ+ people and those living with disabilities, are not disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis in Ontario?
• Do you support raising the minimum wage to a level that reflects the cost of living realities of Ontarians?
• Would you support amending the Consumer Protection Act to include grocers, allowing Consumer Protection Ontario to investigate and intervene in unfair pricing practices by grocery stores and food producers?
• Many Ontarians face rising costs in services like gyms, loans, Wi-Fi, and insurance. What actions would you take to regulate unfair fees and protect consumers from being overcharged or taken advantage of in these sectors?