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
We’re Hiring an Editorial Assistant
Join us for a 20-week newsroom internship, supported by Journalists for Human Rights’ Enhanced Access to Opportunity for BIPOC Youth in Canadian Media program.
Meet the 2022 Fellows
Now in its third year, our fellowship program has become central to The Local’s mission and identity.
The Local Wins Two National Magazine Awards
The honour includes the prestigious Editor Grand Prix for senior editor Nicholas Hune-Brown.
The Local Wins Two Digital Publishing Awards
We took home the prize for Best News Coverage and, for the second year in a row, General Excellence
Canada’s Online News Act Must Be Transparent, Fair, and Include News Innovators
Without amendments, Bill C-18 risks disproportionately benefitting large news organizations and shutting out digital startups and independent media.
Twelve Award Nominations for The Local
The recognition includes nine Digital Publishing Awards and three National Magazine Awards.
The Local’s Peel Pandemic Coverage Wins World Press Freedom Canada Prize
The award recognizes Fatima Syed’s groundbreaking reporting of the pandemic in Peel region.
See the Results of Our Annual Diversity Survey
This year, The Local’s contributor pool grew in diversity, with 73 percent of respondents identifying as racialized.
The Local Journalism Fellowship 2022
Now in its third year, the program provides training and mentorship to aspiring and emerging journalists from communities underrepresented in Canadian media. Applications are now open.