Vital Signs Reports

from Montreal's Vital Signs:
"We invite you to read this report keeping its purpose in mind: to stimulate debate, raise awareness of the issues of importance in our community and encourage citizen engagement so we may, together, improve the lives of our fellow citizens and make Montreal an even better place to live."

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www.fondationdugrandmontreal.org/montreal/

from Ottawa's Vital Signs:
"In 2006, the Ottawa's Vital Signs report indicates a number of significant strengths we can all take pride in, including a vibrant, competitive economy, safer streets and generally happy, active, well-educated citizens. However, the report also uncovers key areas of weakness in our community that demand attention and action. Along with Ottawa's prosperity has come an increasing gap between rich and poor in the city, which has surpassed the national average and is steadily widening. Also disturbing are the significant challenges faced by new immigrants to the city - a situation which has contributed to higher unemployment levels among visible minorities and an increasing number of individuals and families classified as the working poor. Some aspects of our physical environment, including air quality, are coming under increased stress, while getting to and from work is taking longer as the city grows."

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from Toronto's Vital Signs:
"Over the past five years of reviewing and reporting on trends in Toronto's quality of life, we've documented a slow decline in the health of the city of Toronto. This report, like previous reports, points to how Toronto has benefited from some unique advantages - a highly educated work force, a diverse and creative population, low crime and a competitive business environment. They also show, however, how some of those very strengths are being eroded through inadequate support for child and youth development, lack of opportunity for those recently arrived in Toronto and growing economic inequality."

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from Vancouver's Vital Signs:
"...we have a growing and diverse cultural sector; we are good 'recyclers'; our rates of volunteerism are high; we are healthier and more active than other Canadians. But these strengths are not shared by all Vancouverites: we have a dramatic increase in homelessness; the impacts of substance use and mental illness are significant; there is a growing gap between rich and poor. Emissions into our air are increasing and newcomers face significant challenges in finding employment and learning opportunities. "

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from Victoria's Vital Signs:
"...there are many things to celebrate about living in Greater Victoria, however low income families, youth and people who are homeless are disadvantaged. The cost of living and housing are a huge challenge for many people in our community, and literacy is key to people's long-term success and quality of life."

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