Ahmed and his wife came to Canada from Bangladesh in 2006 under the Foreign-born professionals program. Both were doctors back home — young, successful and surrounded by family. But like many people who come to Canada seeking a better education for their kids, they now face a harsh reality of long hours and low paid work, high rise living, and the stress of trying to keep it together while struggling with poverty and social isolation.
Two neighbourhoods on Toronto’s East side bear the unfortunate ranking of highest rates of mental health visits in the city: Oakridge & Taylor-Massey. This video portrait is the first in an ongoing series investigating the issue of mental health from the perspective of the communities who live there.
More from this issue
What the Unfinished Saga of a Still-Not-Built Subway Exit Taught Me About Public Consultation
One community volunteer traces 20 years of botched communication, unanswered questions, and delays—and asks what public consultation is actually worth.
Fewer Candidates for Peel School Trustee Following Changes by the Ford Government
This municipal election there’s a steep decline in candidates for trustee at the Peel District School Board and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.
Who Wants to Be a Toronto School Trustee?
The Ford government has cut their pay, disempowered them, and taken over the board. But some candidates say vying to represent their community’s education concerns is more important than ever.
Introducing the 2026 Local Fellows
We’re excited to welcome Victoria Hincapie Gomez, Nic Hotchkiss, Jessica Kim, and Gabrielle McMann.
The Biggest Incinerator in Canada
As the Emerald Energy from Waste incinerator moves towards a major expansion, locals are worried about their health, and asking if their working-class, immigrant community is seen as a “sacrifice zone.”
For Kids With Special Needs, Summer Camp Is Out of Reach
Few camps in the GTA serve children with developmental disorders or disabilities, forcing parents to take time off work to stay home and depriving kids of the chance to explore, play, and interact with their peers.
Gearing Up for October’s Municipal Elections
We are building a civic newsroom unlike any other, with an expanded scope to serve residents of not just Toronto, but also Mississauga and Brampton.
The New Chill Facing Trans Health Care
As anti-trans rhetoric intensifies at home and abroad, the organizations providing training in trans-inclusive healthcare say they’re seeing less uptake from physicians across Ontario.
The Local Wins Six National Awards
Our journalism took home top prizes at the National Magazine Awards and Canadian Association of Journalists Awards.
An Ancient Past Unearthed by Urban Construction
In 2024, an Indigenous burial site was found during construction on Withrow Avenue, near Riverdale Park East. Where others see a “hole” in the ground awaiting investigation, journalist Gabrielle McMann sees a window into Toronto’s complex pre-colonial history—and a deeper sense of belonging.