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
Bubble Tea, Dollar Stores, and Dialysis?
When Target closed in Canada, it left a crater in many suburban malls. In Thorncliffe Park, a group of health care providers stepped in.
Collision Course
In inner suburbs like Mount Dennis, the convenience of commuters zooming through often takes precedence over the wellbeing of locals.
Shedding Light on the Shadow
How a drop-in program for youth is changing the nature of mental health recovery on Toronto’s west side.
Hunger in a City of Plenty
In virtually every culture, people connect over food. To be deprived of food is to be alienated from social life.
Unsung Heroes: Ghirmai the Interpreter
In a city of immigrants, interpreters play an often overlooked role — trekking across the GTA to ensure new Torontonians are understood.
Unsanctioned
The stories behind Parkdale’s overdose prevention site.
The Roma of Flemingdon Park
Jen Quinlan was just trying to get Roma kids to the dentist. She ended up picking a fight with one of Canada’s richest real estate companies.
Young, Pregnant, No Fixed Address
Lack of affordable housing can have devastating and long-lasting health effects for teenage parents and their children.
Living Without Drug Coverage
Like so many part-time workers in Canada, Olivia is faced with difficult budget decisions every time she gets sick.
Cooking in the Shelter
I have cooked in restaurant kitchens, and for newspaper readers. Working at a shelter taught me a new way to look at food.