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
The Local Earns 8 Nominations at the National Magazine Awards
Our nominations, tied for the third most overall, recognize stories on everything from life expectancy to encampments to waste management to the bereavement industry.
Results from The Local’s Annual Diversity Survey
Every year The Local conducts a diversity survey among staff and contributors. See how we did in 2024
‘It’s Never-Ending’—Another By-Election in Don Valley West
Candidates for TDSB trustee in Ward 11 are up against winter weather and election fatigue in a ward that will have four votes in less than a year.
Have You Thought About Becoming a Board Member for a Local Organization?
We are looking for motivated and thoughtful individuals to join our volunteer board of directors.
The Local Journalism Fellowship 2025
Now in its fifth year, the program provides training and mentorship to aspiring and emerging journalists from communities underrepresented in Canadian media. Applications are now open.
The Battle Over a 475-Metre Bike Lane on Marlee Avenue
In Toronto, even the most modest bike lane proposal is met with outsized anger and fear.
The Local’s 2024 Year in Review
Gather ‘round the warm glow of The Local Slack channel as we chat through our favourite stories of the year.
The Killing of the Science Centre
The 55-year old museum shuttered without warning one Friday in June. Then devastated staff were given four months to dismantle it. A former employee on the last days of a beloved institution.
Rachel Chernos Lin Wins Don Valley West By-Election
The Toronto District School Board chair beat out former right-wing columnist Anthony Furey in a fiercely partisan battle.
Here Are the Don Valley West By-Election Candidates
The only place to find fact-checked biographies and election platform summaries for all the candidates in Ward 15—Don Valley West's by-election for city councillor on November 4, 2024.