Systemic Racism, Housing, and the Realities of Black Canadians | January 28, 2021

The Empire Club of Canada Presents: Systemic Racism, Housing, and the Realities of Black Canadians In Toronto’s lowest-income neighbourhoods, 69% of residents are racialized, while 73% of residents in Toronto’s highest income neighbourhoods are white. The increased attention to systemic racism had revealed to the general public what those in the housing industry have known for years: housing in Toronto and across the GTA is highly racialized. Historically, homeownership has helped Canadians advance in society and work to overcome barriers such as the income and wealth gap. However, for Black Canadians, the lack of access to the housing market has and continues to actively limit opportunities for the Black community now, and in generations to come. It is time to address this inequity, but doing so demands that we re-imagine the future shape of the GTA and seize opportunities to build affordable housing while creating a path to ownership for more black families. Moderator: Ene Underwood, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity GTA Panelists/ Speaker: Stephen Diamond, Chief Executive Officer, DiamondCorp Mwarigha, Vice-President, Housing & Homelessness Services Isaac Olowolafe, Founder, Dream Maker Inc.; Board of Directors, Sick Kids Foundation *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*