Hidden Stories of York Region

In a field of work that is often misunderstood, we spoke with Butterfly to un-learn misconceptions and prejudices towards migrant sex workers. We discuss the field of sex work and explore implications for workers who are migrants.

This episode proposes a paradigm shift in understanding for York Region residents who don’t identify with the international student experience. We discuss how these students fit under the umbrella of migrant workers, how they are vulnerable to exploitation, and what their priorities for change are.

This episode introduces the current landscape of migrant work in all its various forms today, as well as revealing the past to illustrate how the Region has gotten to its current point.

This episode explores the field of migrant agricultural work in response to the story that started it all for us: the 64 Mexican migrant workers that were rescued in March from a labour trafficking ring in East Gwillimbury and Vaughan. We learn how this case reflects the realities of migrant agricultural workers across the Region and discuss calls to action.

The Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation (CERA) is a not-for-profit charity that advances rights-based housing policy through research, policy development, advocacy and litigation. CERA is recognized internationally as a world leader in applying both domestic and international human rights law to address issues of homelessness and poverty.Our guest, Bahar Shadpour (Director of Policy and Communications, CERA) speaks to the current state of housing in York Region and what happens when housing is treated as a commodity rather than a social good and a human right.

2SLGBTQ+ youth may be the most vulnerable members of our community with an over-representation in the homeless population. Studies report that 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness face high rates of depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Our guests, Jesse Vacarciuc (Youth Worker, 360°Kids) and Dr. Alex Abramovich (Youth Worker, 360°kids) and Dr. Alex Abramovich (Independent Scientist, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, CAMH; Assistant Professor, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto), speak to the urgency of prioritizing stable and affirming housing for 2SLGBTQ+ youth to support a wide range of goals, from education and employment to overall levels of health and well-being.

It is estimated that 75% of adults with disabilities live with an aging parent or caregiver, and most are not afforded the supports or services that would enable them to enjoy the fulfilling lives we all deserve. Our guests, Kathy Mochnacki (Home on the Hill Supportive Housing) and Surjit Sachdev (Anand Vihar – The Centre for Dignified Living), discuss housing models for marginalized populations that provide opportunities for residents to find meaning in their lives and relief for family members knowing their loved ones will be supported now and in the future.

York Region is often viewed through the lens of suburban affluence with its single-family homes and grassy backyards. But beyond this façade are people who live a different reality. This episode examines housing from past to present, with an eye to how York Region can provide more equitable and livable options for its residents. Our guests, Michael Braithwaite (CEO, Blue Boor) and Mayor John Taylor (Town of Newmarket), discuss the landscape and trends in the Region, the housing crisis declared in 2021, and share ideas on how to support new strategies, policies and housing models.

Janine Berridge-Paul is joined by Jaclyn Wong to discuss the work of "Live Well Take Action, an Ambassador Program for East Asian Youth" In addition to the work of this specific program, Janine. and Jaclyn also talk about larger themes of anti-asian racism taking place in their community and the impact COVID has had on this. Jaclyn Wong is a 1.5 generation Chinese immigrant who grew up in York Region and now works as a teacher at the York Region District School Board. She is also one of the program managers at the Live Well, Take Action: Ambassador Program for East Asian Youth, an after-school initiative that encourages students to explore social issues affecting Asian communities. In addition, Jaclyn is committed to various activist roles across the GTA and city of Toronto. She is currently working on her thesis about anti-oppression, education and well-being at Trent University. When she needs to ground herself, she likes to play her ukulele and immerse herself in the Star Trek universe. Jaclyn goes by she/her pronouns.

Janine Berridge-Paul is joined by Gurneet Kaur Dhami to discuss the important issue of food justice and how work in this area has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.Gurneet Kaur Dhami is a Panjabi-Sikh settler living, working and playing in present-day Vaughan, Ontario.Over the past year, she has brought her passion for food justice, community and youth leadership in various roles with the York Region Food Network (YRFN).She is the co-founder of the YRFN Youth Food Committee, where youth with meaningful connections to York Region gather for community, mentorship and leadership opportunities to advance food justice.If she's not busy with youth leadership roles, you will find her completing her MSc in Applied Human Nutrition thesis (online) at Mount Saint Vincent University to become a registered dietitian advocating for racial justice.