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 is Nominated For Ten More Journalism Awards
The nominations at the Digital Publishing Awards and National Magazine Awards recognize our journalism in 2025.
When Refugees Can’t Afford the Care They Need
New federal cuts to Canada's refugee health program take effect this week. The people who work with asylum seekers say the consequences could be devastating.
The Local is Nominated for Four Canadian Association of Journalists Awards
The awards recognize our in-depth reporting on everything from school boards to international students to AI to worm harvesting
The New Reality for Toronto’s Crossing Guards
Once a job for local retirees backed by the police, today's crossing guards are poorly paid contract workers employed by private companies. As they confront growing road rage and speeding drivers, their work is more dangerous than ever.
We’re Hiring a Peel Reporter
The Local is looking for a talented journalist to join our team as a staff reporter covering civic issues in Mississauga and Brampton.
Canada’s Oldest AIDS Organization Closes After Four Decades
The AIDS Committee of Toronto was at the centre of this city’s response to a crisis. As it shuts its doors this month, the people who built it reckon with its unfinished legacy.
Results From The Local’s Annual Diversity Survey for 2025
Every year The Local conducts a diversity survey among staff and contributors. See how we did in 2025.
The Local Fellowship 2026
Our fellowship program provides training and mentorship to emerging journalists from communities underrepresented in Canadian media. Applications are now open.
Understanding the Eglinton Crosstown in Seven Illustrations
From Shohei Ohtani’s salary to the tunneling rate of a mole—an unorthodox guide to the numbers behind Toronto’s newest transit line.
Meet Gabrielle McMann, Our Yearlong Journalism Fellow
The emerging journalist is our first early-career fellow, in partnership with The Philanthropist Journal