Decent Work

This photo captures a moment more than a decade in the making. I’m standing with long-time collaborators from the Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN) and the Labour Education Centre on this sub-zero Sunday morning. It’s opening day for Line 5 Eglinton and we’re about to board the newest section of the Toronto transit system... Read more >

I’ve been looking at the world through the lens of a new iPhone camera a lot this year. My collection of photos reveal what slows me down and gives me pause. Always my kids and garden. Often public art like street murals and graffiti with raw wisdom like “Fear. Less. Care. More.” and “The World Survives on Hope”. And occasionally... Read more >

By now, you will have seen signs that Atkinson is upping its contribution to the fight for decent work. We’ve been in it for a long time now. More than eighty years. So, we know the weight needed to tip the scale toward justice. Change is possible when at least 3.5 % of the population is engaged. Read more >

In May, I attended the annual conference for Environment Funders Canada in Whitehorse—to continue sussing out opportunities for cross-movement power building. I had the chance to hear others reflect on the future of environmental philanthropy, and to help make the connections between environmental sustainability and equity. Read more >

Thank you for the invitation to join you for your conversation about worker power – why worker power is important and the role funders can play in generating more of it. I’m joining this call from Toronto – the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation as well as the traditional territory of... Read more >

I appreciate this opportunity to think aloud with you about this day and the way ahead. Since leaving home early yesterday morning, I’ve been thinking about expectations – mine, yours and ours. I expected to have a long day of travel with a transfer in Vancouver on Wednesday. That flight was delayed and I ended up on a direct flight to Victoria... Read more >

The Atkinson Foundation turned 80 this year. We arrived at the threshold of a new decade quietly, in stark contrast to the boisterous celebration of our 75th anniversary at 1 Yonge Street, in the space that once housed the Toronto Star’s printing presses. In  October, Atkinson’s Board and staff members raised their glasses to Joseph Atkinson and Elmina Elliott... Read more >

The exorbitant price we pay for inequality is rising faster than the current rate of inflation these days. When I first heard the logic of inflation many years ago, it sounded like a naturally occurring phenomenon like gravity and tides. I soon discovered that the cost of essential goods and services, and the cost of borrowing money... Read more >

“Musicians are the original gig workers. Same as Uber drivers and food delivery workers. I realized we’re in the same fight.” Rollie Pemberton (aka Cadence Weapon) said this in response to a question about artists as workers at a public reading of his new book, Bedroom Rapper.  Read more >

My life feels suspended in a whirlwind of change, opportunity, and unlimited possibilities. Now more than ever, I’m convinced of our ability to garner collective power for good. Growing up in east Scarborough, I’ve always found myself drawn to examining overarching systems of oppression and their long-lasting effects on various communities. Read more >