POPULATION WELL-BEING

In general, the southern West Island population is considered as advantaged from a socioeconomic point of view. But at the same time, hidden poverty still exists in pockets across the region. Social problems are extremely complex and poverty and social exclusion are at the heart of many unmet needs.

It is important to consider that despite average to high revenue, each municipality of the region is home to people with low income. They represent 9% of the population; that is, 8,925 people. Those living in poverty have needs that are not recognized largely due to the area’s relative wealth. Limited resources for vulnerable populations, as well as limited access to healthy food, lack of affordable housing, unavailability of social housing and an inefficient public transit system in the area, compound these problems.

During public consultations with the citizens, one of the priorities identified for the southern West Island was poverty and social exclusion. A working committee has been formed and its role is to elaborate and implement an action plan that will help to fight poverty and social exclusion in the region.

As part of the new 2024-2029 TQSOI Social Development Action Plan (SDAP), the priority of Population Well-being has been expanded into four key objectives that will guide our efforts over the next five years:

• Engage, connect and empower isolated seniors.
• Improve access for youth to opportunities for development and community connection.
• Develop a better understanding of the needs of ethno-cultural minorities and how to address them.
• Improve access to health and well-being related services and support through collaboration and access to information.

The Population Well-being Committee will play a critical role in overseeing the implementation of this plan and ensuring progress across these areas. More precisely, its mission is to ensure that the annual plan for Population Well-being, as outlined in the SDAP 2024-2029, is achieved. The committee will provide oversight, support, and advice, make decisions, and validate processes to ensure success. Its mandates are to:

• Provide input and make decisions on the annual plan;
• Monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure milestones are met;
• Mobilize members, working groups, and external partners (residents, organizations, institutions, businesses, and elected officials) to achieve the plan’s goals;
• Plan for progress in future years of the SDAP.

For more information or to participate in the committee, thank you for contacting us at (514)505-0840 ext. 6 or at rstoleru@tqsoi.org