Unveiling Systemic Barriers in Toronto's Overlooked East Side Community

A Forgotten Community on Toronto's East Side: Unveiling Systemic Flaws Through "The Survey"

As a nation, Canada prides itself on being a leader in human rights and equality. However, a survey in an overlooked neighbourhood on Toronto's east side has uncovered a reality that contradicts this narrative. The project arose from a research paper I started for my academic work at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in my Capstone project, and it quickly expanded as I discovered numerous barriers that often go unnoticed but deeply affect minority communities, particularly this school. These barriers, further amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, are preventing children from accessing vital programs for their holistic growth.

We conducted the project at Sunshine Public School, using a pseudonym to protect the school's identity, with a focus on black, newcomer, and working-class families. A pivotal moment was when we conducted a survey during the school's carnival. The results were alarming. Families who live in a society that prides itself on equality face neglect in areas such as access to recreational programs. This inequality begs a pressing question: Is this a result of institutionalised barriers, or is it a systemic failure that we are unwilling to address?

My personal journey and community insights

Over the past four years, my experience as an immigrant has revealed the profound systemic obstacles faced by newcomers. Despite the promise of opportunity in Canada, I, like many others, encountered a system that felt indifferent to our struggles. Even if I had my Canadian family, I would face significant restrictions—from employment to education to financial aid for three and a half years—that painted a harsh picture of a flawed system. Our story, however, is just one of many, reflecting the challenges faced by countless families in our community.

During a community meeting, parents voiced their struggles in accessing basic recreational resources for their children. This meeting shifted the focus from individual responsibility to a broader issue of systemic failure. One parent poignantly asked, "If we, as parents, can't provide holistic development opportunities due to these barriers, why should our children bear the burden?" This question resonated deeply and underscored the need for collective action and systemic intervention

A Carnival Day of Revelations

The funfair was not just an opportunity for entertainment—it became a moment of awakening. Volunteers from MyInLaw and I conducted the survey, engaging parents in meaningful conversations. Many families shared their frustrations with the institutional barriers preventing them from accessing recreational services. The overwhelming response from 42 parents, representing 73 students, shed light on the deep-rooted issues our community faces. These revelations underscored that while we recover from the pandemic, we must address the systemic failures that the crisis has brought to light.

Scholar Eli Clare once said, "What we often name as privilege is actually a basic human right, one that some of us have and others deny." This quote resonates with our findings—what should be available to all children is, in fact, inaccessible to many, particularly those from minority communities.

The relationship between recreational access and academic performance is worth exploring.

The survey’s findings also pointed to a deeper issue: a direct connection between recreational access and academic performance. Limited access to extracurricular activities correlates with lower academic achievement, reduced school involvement, and more behavioural issues. This is not merely an academic problem; it is a societal one. Without intervention, the long-term impact on these children will be significant, perpetuating cycles of inequality and poverty.

A call to action for systemic change

As we consider the future, the question is clear: Do we continue to critique from the sidelines, or do we take meaningful action? This project is more than just research—it is a blueprint for change. It calls for systemic reforms that acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by marginalised communities in Toronto's east end.

We must foster environments where accessible and inclusive recreational programs are available for all children, regardless of background. This will help close the gap and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a society that genuinely supports its development.

Support our cause:

If this cause resonates with you, we invite you to support our work. Reach out to us at [email protected] or visit myinlaw.com. Together, we can create lasting change for Toronto’s forgotten communities.