Wellesley Institute

Left side: Against a light blue background, a stack of menstrual pads with blue and white wrapping. Right side: white font against a dark blue background: New blog: Menstrual health is not a luxury. Wellesley logo on bottom right.

In Canada, 1 in 6 people who menstruate do not know if they can afford the products they need for their next period. Our newest blog post by Antonia Stutter explains why menstrual health is a matter of well-being, inclusion and public health.
www.wellesleyinstitute.com/menstrual-he...

Healthy food for a stronger Canada - Wellesley Institute This policy brief provides recommendations to the federal government to address the rising cost of healthy foods, improve health, and build local agriculture and supply lines.

𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 reminds us that access to affordable, good food is a health equity issue.
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 on how to address the rising cost of essential foods, improve health, and build local agriculture and supply lines.
www.wellesleyinstitute.com/healthy-food...

Against a blue background, in white font: "It's amazing what we could do if we focus on what's important and if we use equity." Dr. Kwame McKenzie, Wellesley Institute CEO Wellesley logo on the bottom right.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗗𝗿. 𝗞𝘄𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗰𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘇𝗶𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.
We wish everyone the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate over the weekend so we can all continue to take on the work that lies ahead.

Toronto’s Winter Services Plan Still Leaves Unhoused People at Risk, Advocates Say City services for shelters and warming centres barely increased from last year to this year. And with the hard winter and heavy snowfall we’re seeing, the system is again bursting at the seams…

NEW: Toronto’s Winter Services Plan Still Leaves Unhoused People at Risk, Advocates Say

Shelter and warming centre service barely improved from last year. And with the hard winter, the system is again bursting at the seams, Shanzae Zaeem reports.

Ontario CHCs: 2026 Snapshot with a map plotting CHCs across the province of Ontario in rural and urban settings.

Community Health Centres or “CHCs” are one of the key models of primary care ensuring access to chronic disease prevention and management, and community development programs. CHCs are one of the models we represent. Learn more about CHCs + their vital work: www.allianceon.org/files/CHC_Se...

Right side: Against dark blue background in white font: "Canada has the potential to be a world leader in building AI tools for equity." Dr. Kwame McKenzie, CEO Wellesley Institute Left side: Dr. Kwame McKenzie, holding a microphone speaking at an event.

Canada has the 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 to be a world leader in building AI tools for equity. Our CEO, Dr. Kwame McKenzie, spoke about this potential - and reasons for both concern and optimism - at the @ipcontario.bsky.social's Privacy Day event about AI in health, Jan 28. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rl9...

Study finds psychosis rates are rising among young people in Ontario More young people are being diagnosed with psychosis and schizophrenia and new data shows the numbers are climbing in Ontario. Catalina Gillies spoke with researchers who say recognizing the signs…

Psychosis and schizophrenia are on the rise in young Canadians. #UofT researchers say recognizing the signs early could make a critical difference. bit.ly/4rC0nRr

Ontario 2026 Budget: Our submission on supportive housing - Wellesley Institute Wellesley Institute joined the Supportive Housing for Ontario Table in making the this submission about the need for supportive housing to the Government of Ontario’s 2026 Budget consultation process.

Wellesley has joined the Supportive Housing for Ontario Table in calling on the Ontario government to ensure the supportive housing system meets the needs of all. Read our submission to the 2026 Budget consultation process. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/ontario-2026...
@unitedwaygt.bsky.social

Black font against a peach and orange gradient reads: Honouring Black brilliance in mental health and addictions. This Black History Month, we honour the Black Canadians who build the foundations of our systems, those who are reshaping them today and the generations who will carry this forward.

We're honoured to have the contributions of Wellesley Institute CEO, Dr. Kwame McKenzie, recognized during Black History Month in such a thoughtful way by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario.
ontario.cmha.ca/news/black-h...

Against a blue background. Centred highlighted text: Thrive Toronto Mental Health Report Card. Left side: Equity-deserving communities perceive and experience their health and well-being strikingly differently. Right side: A Muslim woman is outdoors on a sunny day. She is wearing casual clothing and a head scarf. She is standing near a road and staring out onto the street. 

Not everyone is equally affected by the decline in mental health in Toronto. The Thrive Toronto mental health report card shows that concerning patterns are emerging. Read the report to learn more: thriveto.ca/mental-healt...

Against a dark blue background, a circle frame on the left side of the post shows a tent encamped on the entrance of an old building. Right side of the post reads in white font: Wealth and health. Against a dark blue background, a circle frame on the left side of the post shows a tent encamped on the entrance of an old building. Right side of the post reads in white font: Wealth and health. The health of low-and moderate- income households is suffering as renting and home ownership becomes less affordable. W logo for Wellesley Institute on the bottom right. W logo for Wellesley Institute on the bottom right. 

As housing policies move toward treating homes as financial assets, and investment in social housing slides, wealth inequality and housing insecurity deepen.

Read our latest research report – a scoping review of health and wealth interventions: www.wellesleyinstitute.com/wealth-and-h...

An advertisement for the event listing the names, affiliations and photos of the eight speakers. The event name is Trustworthy AI in Health: The Promise, Perils and Protections.

We are pleased that Wellesley Institute CEO Kwame McKenzie is speaking today as part of a panel discussion at the @ipcontario.bsky.social event entitled Trustworthy AI in Health: The Promise, Perils and Protections. Dr. McKenzie will be speaking about the perils of AI.

Ontario needs more supportive housing and a plan to end homelessness. Wellesley Institute is glad to be part of this important group coming together to call for change.

Left side: A picture of wooden cubes with the word ‘wealth’ rolling over to the word ‘health’ on a light blue background. Right side reads: New research report: Wealth and health: A scoping review of interventions addressing wealth inequality and their impact on health outcomes (white font against a dark blue background). W logo for Wellesley Institute on the bottom right.

Wealth inequity is on the rise in Canada, and along with it, health inequity.

Our latest scoping review reveals that structural and historical inequities must be addressed to improve health and social inequities.

Read the report: www.wellesleyinstitute.com/wealth-and-h...

Left side: Two people are going over a document. Their hands are going over the report. Right side: White font against a dark blue background. Health equity in primary care Call for documents: Community involvement in primary care Bottom right: W Wellesley logo

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼. We are researching how communities are involved in shaping primary care at the health service provider level. 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀, 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: tinyurl.com/3zn6jxyp

Thrive Toronto Mental Health Report Card (top center, highlighted, bold text) Left side: Fewer people identifying as 2SLGBTQ+ reported good mental health. Right side: A person walks under Toronto’s rainbow tunnel in the winter.

Thrive Toronto’s mental health report card shows people who experience discrimination are less likely to have good mental health:
➡️ 1/3 of people who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual reported good mental health, compared to 56% of heterosexual identified individuals.
thriveto.ca/mental-healt...

Against a dark blue background, text reads: Thrive Toronto Mental Health Report Card (top center, highlighted, bold text). Left side: Children and youth were less likely to report good mental health. Right side: A young Black woman sits outside in a park. She is looking forlorn.

The kids are not alright. Only one-third of children and youth reported good mental health in Toronto; 63% said they feel lonely.

Read Toronto's first mental health report card here:
thriveto.ca/mental-healt...

Against a dark blue background, text reads: 73% (in 2015) down arrow 52% (in 2022) Torontonians who say they have “high mental health.”

𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼'𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴.
In 7 years, the percentage of residents reporting good mental health dropped from nearly 3/4 to about half.
Read Toronto’s first mental health report card, made by Thrive Toronto, as well as the recommendations to help people thrive.
thriveto.ca/mental-healt...

Read the report:
thriveto.ca/mental-healt...

Toronto’s first mental health report card – produced by a multi-sector partnership of leading groups active in mental health in the city – reveals the state of mental health in our city, who is the most impacted and recommendations on actions to make things better.

Against a light green background in white font: Mental health in Toronto is in decline. “It’s time for action.” Thrive Toronto’s logo in bottom left corner.

Only about half of us living in Toronto report having good mental health, and rates are lower for people who face social and economic challenges. To improve mental well-being, strategies must be targeted towards those most impacted.

Thank you so much for the re-post!

Thrive Toronto is a partnership of leading groups active in mental health in the city aimed at driving meaningful action to improve the mental health of Torontonians. @camhnews.bsky.social @toronto.ca @unitedwaygt.bsky.social

𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼’𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.
It tells the story of a decline in mental wellness in Toronto, who is most impacted by this decline, and highlights actions that can be taken to improve psychological and mental health.

Read the report: thriveto.ca/thrive-toron...

🔗https://www.amo.on.ca/policy/health-emergency-and-social-services/homelessness-crisis-ontario-continues-worsen Read the report: www.amo.on.ca/policy/healt...

Access to safe, affordable housing, and necessary supports where needed, is essential to good health and strong communities. Wellesley Institute will continue to urge all levels of government to take action and address the housing crisis using evidence-based solutions.

Cover for the AMO report: January 2026 Municipalities Under Pressure One Year Later: An Update on the Human and Financial Cost of Ontario's Homelessness Crisis: At the bottom center of the report cover there is a picture of a red blanket folded on a bed in a housing shelter. People are in the background, but their images are blurred. The blanket on the bed and the hand of a person sitting on the bed are in focus. Underneath the photo are the logos for: Association of Ontario Municipalities (AMO) Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA) Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA)

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)'s 2025 Homelessness Report Update reveals a worsening homelessness crisis across our province – and one which evidence demonstrates is devastating for health. The report also outlines how we can find our way out of this critical situation.

Calling all health researchers in the GTAIf you are a GTA-based health researcher working with adults, we want to understand how you compensate participants.Help shape equitable research compensation guidelines for the GTA!Scan this QR code to complicate a quick 15 minute online survey!To participate, please contact: anoushka.chandarana@wellesleyinstitute.com.For questions on study design, please contact Principal Investigator Brenda Roche:Brenda.Roche@WellesleyInstitute.com.This research study has been reviewed and approved by the Toronto Metropolitan University Research Ethics Board [REB 2025-436].

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗧𝗔?
If so, please complete our brief survey to help us update our equitable research compensation guidelines. To learn more or participate, please click here:
www.surveymonkey.com/r/JN2VT3T

Calling all health researchers in the GTA If you are a GTA-based health researcher working with adults, we want to understand how you compensate participants. Help shape equitable research compensation guidelines for the GTA! Scan this QR code to complicate a quick 15 minute online survey! To participate, please contact: anoushka.chandarana@wellesleyinstitute.com. For questions on study design, please contact Principal Investigator Brenda Roche: Brenda.Roche@WellesleyInstitute.com. This research study has been reviewed and approved by the Toronto Metropolitan University Research Ethics Board [REB 2025-436].

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗧𝗔?
If so, please complete our brief survey to help us update our equitable research compensation guidelines.
To learn more or participate, please click here:
www.surveymonkey.com/r/JN2VT3T

Alberta renters don’t need more ‘supply’ — they need non-market housing options Governments keep chasing the market while community housing providers quietly deliver stable, affordable homes that won’t disappear when profits rise

This Ricochet Media article cites Wellesley Institute research from 2022 - still relevant today - highlighting a gap in the National Housing Strategy: public funds must be directed to projects that meet the needs of those who most need affordable housing.
ricochet.media/justice/hous...