Toronto is undergoing a crisis. Housing has become increasingly unaffordable, and growing economic pressures are taking a toll on Torontonians. As more and more people in need of help turn up at hospitals like the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), there’s an urgent need for nuanced conversations that prioritize solutions over stigma.

Hosted by CAMH and the University of Toronto, this event will bring together leading researchers, clinicians, policymakers and community advocates to explore how the conditions in which Torontonians live—and the challenges they face—are impacting their mental health. We will examine how economic insecurity, the lack of affordable housing and gaps in mental health services contribute to distress in our communities. We will also look at how the right policies, backed by good evidence, can make a difference in people’s lives.

Through a dynamic panel discussion and an interactive Q&A session, we will challenge misconceptions and focus on solutions that are grounded in both data and the everyday experiences of Torontonians. How do we ensure that mental health services are effective and accessible to all? What role does policy play in tackling homelessness and mental health crises? How can Toronto build a city that fosters both safety and well-being without resorting to harmful narratives that stigmatize those who are struggling with mental health problems?

This lecture is part of a series inspired by the legacy of the Hon. Michael Wilson, P.C., C.C., Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Toronto and is presented in partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.