Research proposal

Affordable Housing Shortage Affecting Social Equity in Canadian Cities in Toronto Student Name Institution Professor Name Course Date Affordable Housing Shortage Affecting Social Equity in Canadian Cities in Toronto This study focuses on how affordable housing deficits affect social equity in urban Canada, especially in Toronto. To acquire secure housing, the low-income and marginalized need to access affordable housing (Mah, 2009). The marked increase in housing prices, along with a lack of housing and the phenomenon of urban gentrification, have led to more profound inequalities and a destabilization of access to housing for vulnerable communities. This research seeks to assess the primary reasons for the shortage of affordable housing, consider their social effects, and review feasible policy solutions. Relevance and Context Throughout Canada, cities are dealing with an urgent affordable housing deficit as part of their urban policy. With rising housing spending, the inadequacy of wage increases is more seriously impacting marginalized and racialized populations, pushing them further from the vibrant core of city life (Mah, 2009). The lack of affordable housing intensifies social inequalities by changing access to essential services, employment opportunities, and the quality of life. According to Westhues (2012), the principle of social equity points out the necessity of social policy in balancing inequalities and providing fair entry to public resources, including housing. The sharp uptick in housing prices makes this problem particularly acute in Toronto (Pinki, 2020). The study will examine how the affordable housing shortage leads to a separation between low-income populations and other social groups, leading to gentrification and displacement. Also, neoliberal policies have played a role in reducing public investment in affordable housing (McBride & Shields, 1997). This trend has aggravated the housing crisis, as governments at multiple levels find it difficult to fulfill the demand for affordable housing units. The research will contribute to discussions about public policy solutions for the housing crisis and its more significant social effects by analyzing these trends. Research Question How do shortages in affordable housing in urban centers across Canada, particularly Toronto, exacerbate social inequities, and what policy interventions can address these challenges? Literature Review Research on Canadian social policy has repeatedly pointed out the relationship between housing and social equity. Rice and Prince (2013) discuss how social and housing policies affect everyday life and either strengthen or reduce inequalities. Lemon (2015) looks into the intersection of urban planning and social services, with housing being vital in determining access to resources and opportunities. These works create a basis for recognizing the policy gaps leading to urban Canada’s housing deficits. The review will study the harmony of housing challenges, examining how compositional elements such as race and identity as an Indigenous citizen affect housing inequality. The works of Mullings (2012) and Saulis (2012) establish an essential correlation between social policy, particularly in the area of housing, and the survival of systemic racism and the marginalization of Indigenous groups. Therefore, this study aims to develop an appreciation of the broad spectrum of housing inequities seen in urban Canada ...