Toronto has been named one of the most diverse cities but the hiring of women bosses are down.
City officials on the verge of Black History Month say their workforce and services are more inclusive and diversified that ever even though women in senior positions have decreased.
The first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Annual Performance Report was presented to City Council on January 28 for consideration. It is a progress report of City departments and services provided to the public.
The report stated the amount of senior racialized decision makers in the Toronto Public Service (TPS) at a Division Head or above rose to 27 per cent from 18 per cent.
At the same time the number of women in senior management decreased to 35 per cent, compared to 44 per cent the prior year. There was no reason for the dip.
The City report said there are more racialized managers and workforce than ever.
The report said the number of under-represented persons in the TPS increased in 2023, so did the amount of racialized people from 47.3 per cent to 49.2 per cent. The amount of employees with disabilities rose along with those identifying as LGBTQ2S.
City staff said 375 new “For Indigenous, By Indigenous” homes have been approved since 2020.
The report said about 3,000 people are on a waiting list for homes, and 1,622 grants were provided through Toronto Rent Bank to low income residents in need of help.
It is one of the first reports to look at Toronto’s diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace.
Almost 650 tenants were spared from eviction through a City Eviction Prevention program that helps low-income marginalized renters facing the boot.
Staff said the City’s Shelter and Support Services (TSSS) provided emergency shelter to more than 22,000 people experiencing homelessness and helped about 6,000 move from a shelter to permanent housing.
They also provided emergency shelter and wrap-around supports to 8,500 refugee claimants.
In addition, more than 1,000 people were referred into the shelter system from the streets, of which 350 were successfully housed.
The report said $1.16 billion is embedded in the budget for social outcome. It includes for $659.7 million for Shelter and Support Services; $394.8 million for Social and Affordable housing initiatives and $105.7 million for Children’s Services.
The Toronto Public Service has around 42,000 employees, who provide services and programs to residents, as well as to visitors and businesses.