Invest in long-term housing solutions by increasing safe spaces for youth and adults experiencing homelessness, building more affordable homes, and increasing funding for supportive housing services.
Many youth noted that the homelessness crisis is very apparent across our communities. There was recognition that with the increase in cost of living, widespread need to focus on mental health, and other factors, homelessness will only continue to rise.
Conversations focused on how it’s a large scale and complicated problem – but that because it has the potential for such a high positive impact, it is one worth focusing on.
Expand public transportation routes to include small towns and suburban neighbourhoods, improving access for underserved areas and connecting to nearby communities.
Increase access to family physicians to reduce emergency room overuse and wait times.
Increase accountability of school staff to address bullying concerns raised by students (like homophobia, racism, ableism, sexism and sexual harassment, etc.) Establish consistent complaint processes, zero-tolerance policies, and ensure youth know the consequences of such behaviours.
Invest in long-term housing solutions by increasing safe spaces for youth and adults experiencing homelessness, building more affordable homes, and increasing funding for supportive housing services.
Involve youth directly in decisions that affect them. Create more spaces and opportunities for intergenerational discussion between youth and adults/elders. Use these as opportunities to build relationships but also engage in conversation about issues that impact youth and the broader community, and how youth and adults can take meaningful action together. Adults in these spaces should be mindful of how to meaningfully engage with youth, and share power.
Provide more or easier access to resources for immigrant parents restarting their lives in Canada.
