Media


YWCA Toronto is a respected voice in the media on issues that impact the lives of women and girls. Below you can find the Association’s latest press releases and highlights of related media coverage.

'A first step': Province to back bill listing intimate partner violence an epidemic
– featuring Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications
cbc.ca | April 10, 2024

Liberal gun control bill is now law. What happens now?
– featuring Heather McGregor, Chief Executive Officer
Global News | December 15, 2023

'We did not want to wait for the next femicide': 100+ organizations are calling on Ontario to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic
– featuring YWCA Toronto
NOW Toronto| December 7, 2023

Service Providers urge Ontario to declare gender-based violence epidemic
– featuring Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications
CityNews Toronto | December 6, 2023

More than 100 groups press Ontario to declare gender-based violence an epidemic
– featuring Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications
Globe & Mail | December 6, 2023

Service Providers urge Ontario to declare gender-based violence epidemic
– featuring Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications
City TV News Toronto | December 6, 2023

Ontario to receive $162-million in federal funding for gender-based violence plan
– featuring Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications
toronto.ctvnews.ca | November 15, 2023

Ontario’s “historic” agreement on national plan to end gender-based violence
– featuring Heather McGregor, Chief Executive Officer, and Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters and Clinical Services
toronto.ctvnews.ca | November 15, 2023

'A fight for everyone:' Community coalition backs Toronto tenant rent strike
– featuring YWCA Toronto
toronto.ctvnews.ca | August 23, 2023

5 things to know about feedback to Champagne’s TTC wireless service consultation
– featuring YWCA Toronto
globalnews.ca | August 21, 2023

Toronto Declares Gender-Based and Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic
– featuring Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters and Clinical Services
anyuakmedia.com | July 21, 2023

How do you solve many problems at once? Train marginalized people to fix houses
– featuring Susan Aharan, Facility Manager
cbc.ca | July 21, 2023

Toronto declares gender-based, intimate partner violence an epidemic
– featuring Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters and Clinical Services
cbc.ca | July 20, 2023

Toronto council unanimously passes motion to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic
– featuring Heather McGregor, Chief Executive Officer
toronto.ctvnews.ca | July 20, 2023

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow calls on council to declare gender-based and intimate-partner violence an epidemic
– featuring Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters and Clinical Services
thestar.com | July 14, 2023

Mayor Olivia Chow Urges Toronto Council to Recognize Gender-Based and Intimate-Partner Violence as an Epidemic
– featuring YWCA Toronto
bnn.network | July 14, 2023

Toronto sees rise in survivors of domestic violence seeking public housing
– featuring Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters and Clinical Services
thestar.com | July 13, 2023

Next Toronto mayor needs to show up for communities facing crisis
– featuring Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications
thestar.com | June 23, 2023

To resolve violence against women, another treaty is not the answer
– featuring Heather McGregor, Chief Executive Officer
hilltimes.com | June 14, 2023

2023 YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction Award recipient Charlie Wall-Andrews on Our Toronto CBC
– featuring YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction Award recipient Charlie Wall-Andrews
Our Toronto CBC | June 9, 2023

More than 45 Toronto Community Organizations Unite to Launch #ShowUpTO Campaign, Urging Mayoral Candidates to Address Poverty and Inequality
– featuring YWCA Toronto
finance.yahoo.com | June 1, 2023

A celebration of incredible women, and Toronto trailblazers


– featuring YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Awards
cbc.ca | May 18, 2023

Inspirations Studio Annual Spring Market and Open House

– featuring Inspirations Studio
blogto.com | May 14, 2023

Equal Pay Day in Ontario aimed at ending gender wage gap

– featuring Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications
yahoo.com | April 4, 2023

Privatization won’t close the gender pay gap

– featuring Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications
stcatharinesstandard.ca | April 4, 2023

Equal Pay Day in Ontario aimed at ending gender wage gap
– featuring Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications
globalnews.ca | April 4, 2023

Privatization won’t close the gender pay gap
– featuring Sami Pritchard, Interim Director of Advocacy and Communications
thestar.com | April 4, 2023

Women serving their communities

– featuring YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Award Recipient
bnnbloomberg.ca | March 9, 2023

Two women of distinction recognized from the Ted Rogers School of Management

– mentions YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Award Recipients
torontomu.ca | March 8, 2023

YWCA Toronto Announces 2023 Women of Distinction Award Recipients
– featuring Heather McGregor, Chief Executive Officer
yahoo.com | March 8, 2023

YWCA Toronto's 150th Anniversary
– featuring Heather McGregor, Chief Executive Officer
newswire.ca | February 22, 2023

New Order of Canada Recipients
– featuring Heather McGregor, Chief Executive Officer
globeandmail.com | December 29, 2022


Going Deep with Donnovan Bennett - Political Statements at the World Cup Ahead of Iran - USA
– featuring Firoozeh Radjai, Director of Philanthropy
sportsnet.ca | November 29, 2022

Open letter urges Toronto mayoral and council candidates to tackle rising poverty, inequality
– featuring YWCA Toronto and WomanACT
Toronto.com | October 11, 2022

Big hopes for Toronto’s first gender equity strategy
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee and  Harmy Mendoza
Policy Options | October 3, 2022

Post-Secondary Students Resort to Desperate Measures Amid Rental Market Heat
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
Storeys | September 7, 2022

Mothers receiving Canada Child Benefit payments deserve CERB Amnesty
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
rabble.ca | August 12, 2022

Unprecedented milk price increase unjustified, expert says, as production costs declined last year
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
Toronto Star | August 12, 2022

Unique ceramics program for women, gender diverse people
– featuring Inspirations Studio, a YWCA Toronto program
Global News | July 26, 2022

Coffee Briefing June 14, 2022 – Uber Canada releases 2022 Lost and Found index; YWCA awards; Mastercard expands Girls4Tech; and more | IT World Canada News
– featuring Willa Black, YWCA Toronto WOD Award Recipient
IT World Canada | June 14, 2022

Deepa Mattoo receives YWCA Women of Distinction award |Here and Now Toronto with Gill Deacon | Live Radio | CBC Listen
– featuring Deepa Matto, YWCA Toronto WOD Award Recipient
Here and Now Toronto | June 10, 2022

Measures in new bill to keep guns from abusers, stalkers welcomed by advocates
– featuring Heather McGregor, YWCA Toronto CEO
Toronto Star | May 31, 2022

YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Awards 2022
– featuring YWCA Toronto
CBC News | May 25, 2022

RJC Engineers Shares About Its Involvement in the Toronto Shelter Project
– featuring YWCA Toronto 
URBAN TORONTO | May 17, 2022

U of G Names Dr. Mary Anne Chambers as Chancellor
– featuring YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction Award
U of G News | April 7, 2022

Our Toronto - March 19, 2022
– featuring the Let’s Start Up program, provided in partnership by the Lise Watier Foundation and YWCA Toronto
CBC Our Toronto | March 19, 2022

Winter Stations unveils winning designs at Woodbine Beach
– featuring YWCA Toronto
Canadian Architect | March 4, 2022


Impact of Inflation
featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
CTV News Toronto | March 16, 2022

Cheryl Regehr recognized with Women of Distinction Award
– featuring YWCA Toronto
University of Toronto | March 4, 2022

LOLY RICO, RECIPIENT OF THE YWCA – TORONTO WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARD
– featuring YWCA Toronto
FCJ Refugee Centre | March 4, 2022

Six "resilient" beach huts built on Toronto's beachfront for annual Winter Stations installation
– featuring YWCA Toronto

Canada’s women shelters strained amid spike in domestic violence, staff shortages
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
Global News | January 12, 2022

How one former YWCA shelter resident got her abducted son back
– Kim Quashie, Manager of Marketing and Communications, and Sarah Boesveld, Manager of Advocacy
Toronto Life | December 9, 2021

This Toronto ceramics studio is teaching people to overcome their trauma 'one pot at a time'
– featuring Gudrun Olafsdottir, director of Inspirations Studio
CBC | December 19, 2021

Gender-based violence claimed 58 lives in Ontario this year. It’s an indictment of our collective failure to keep women and girls safe
– op-ed by Heather McGregor, YWCA Toronto CEO
Toronto Star | December 6, 2021

Your Morning | S6:E53 | New campaign asking Ontario to develop plan to address ‘she-cession’ 
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
CTV | November 3, 2021

In-person domestic violence services slowly resuming in Toronto 
– featuring Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters, Girls and Family Programs
CityNews | November 5, 2021

Advocates, organizations call for provincial plan to end Ontario’s ‘she-cession’ 
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
Global News | October 26, 2021

‘She-cession’ still must be addressed, say groups urging Ontario to act
- featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications 
Toronto Star | October 19, 2021


YWCA Toronto emergency homeless shelter for women expects to leave Days Inn site in the Beach by end of year at latest
- featuring YWCA Toronto's temporary emergency shelter
Beach Metro Community News | October 8, 2021

What happens when we set women up for success?
– featuring The Lise Watier Foundation
Toronto Life | September 23, 2021

Canada election 2021 is showing up for women
– op-ed by Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
NOW Toronto | September 5, 2021

Child care will be a defining issue of the election
– joint op-ed by Sarah Boesveld, Manager of Advocacy
The Globe and Mail | August 21, 2021

How entrepreneurs are creating a pandemic 'She-covery plan' to get women back in the workforce
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
CBC News | August 4, 2021

The future of work in Ontario is at a crossroads. Will we ensure decent employment for all?
– op-ed by Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
Toronto Star | July 26, 2021

YWCA Toronto came through for women during the pandemic - at a cost
– op-ed by Sarah Boesveld, Manager of Advocacy
Toronto Star | May 28, 2021

Under COVID-19, the number of Torontonians applying for social housing as a refuge from domestic violence has soared
– featuring Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters and Clinical Services
Toronto Star | May 26, 2021

This Toronto woman finally has a place to call home after years of living on the streets
– featuring Teshia Allen, Manager of 389 Church Street
CBC Toronto | May 4, 2021

The uphill battle for subsidized housing in the GTA
City News | April 26, 2021

Documentary following new Church Street Tenant
– interview with Nikki Renaud by Mary Wiens
Metro Morning | April 23, 2021
Canada’s women shelters strained amid spike in domestic violence, staff shortagesYWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Awards 2022Measures in new bill to keep guns from abusers, stalkers welcomed by advocatesNew bill measures to protect guns from abusers and stalkers welcomed by supporters

 

Ottawa promises billons for child care and long-term care, while EI reforms are on the way
– featuring Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters and Clinical Services
Toronto Star | April 19, 2021

Doug Ford’s budget fails to deliver on ‘she-covery’
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
Toronto Star | April 4, 2021

YWCA shelter for homeless women on Queen Street East in the Beach extends lease until at least October of this year
– featuring Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters, Girls' and Family Programs for the YWCA Toronto
Beach Metro | March 25, 2021

YWCA Toronto Post Ontario Budget Response
featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
Here and Now Toronto | March 24, 2021

 

Sarah Everard's murder raising questions about women's safety in Canada
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
CTV News | March 16, 2021

Family violence victim speaks out after unlikely intervention
– featuring Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters, Girls and Family Programs
CityNews | March 15, 2021

Motherhood: A joy. A job. A pre-existing condition?
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
The Kit | March 2021

5 activists on the alarming impacts of the pandemic on BIPOC women
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
CBC | March 5, 2021

The Power of Women Conversation Series
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
CBC | February 24, 2021

Toronto opens a 13-storey supportive housing building on Church Street
– featuring Heather McGregor, CEO
Daily Hive | February 5, 2021

New affordable, supportive housing building opens in downtown Toronto's Church-Wellesley area
– featuring Heather McGregor, CEO
Toronto.com | February 4, 2021

'Like a pandemic within a pandemic': Shelters call for support as violence against women rises amid COVID-19
– featuring Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters, Girls and Family Programs
CTV News | January 10, 2021

The Impact of COVID-19 on Women
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
CTV News | January 10, 2021

Op-ed: Province's poverty reduction plan is a big miss
– joint op-ed from Heather McGregor, CEO and community partners
NOW Toronto | December 23, 2020

PM marks Ecole Polytechnique massacre with pledge to follow through on assault weapons ban
– mentions YWCA Toronto
NOW Toronto | December 6, 2020

Countering mass violence linked to misogyny
– featuring Heather McGregor, CEO
CityNews | December 6, 2020

Global News at 6
– featuring Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
Global News | December 6, 2020

Greater Toronto's Top Employers 2021 step up and take action
– mentions YWCA Toronto
Globe and Mail | December 4, 2020

YWCA Toronto launches WiTT app to promote women's trades and technology community
– featuring YWCA Toronto's mobile app
Ontario Construction News | December 1, 2020

Brock to participate in UN campaign to end gender-based violence
– mentions YWCA Toronto
Niagara Falls Review | November 26, 2020

The COVID-19 Divide
– interview with Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications
CTV News | October 24, 2020

Why we need universal child care in Canada
– joint op-ed by Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Director of Advocacy and Communications, and community partners
NOW Toronto | September 16, 2020

Poverty reduction central to building back better
– written by Heather McGregor, CEO, and Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Manager of Advocacy
Toronto Star | August 17, 2020

Women's groups call for public inquiry into Nova Scotia mass shooting
– mentions YWCA Toronto
NOW Toronto | July 20, 2020

Forty-eight stylish face masks from Toronto designers
– mentions YWCA Toronto
Toronto Life | May 27, 2020

Beach community’s welcome of homeless shelter for women has been heart-warming, says YWCA Toronto
– interview with Ashley Brown, Interim Director of Shelters and Girls Family Programs
Beach Metro Community News | May 25, 2020

A Feminist Approach to Ending Poverty After COVID-19
– written by Heather McGregor, CEO and Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Manager of Advocacy
Policy Options | May 22, 2020

Toronto Thai restaurant shifts business model to support community
– mentions YWCA Toronto
Dished Toronto | May 20, 2020

Why gun violence is still high in Toronto, even amid the pandemic lockdown
– interview with Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Manager of Advocacy
Toronto Star | May 8, 2020

YWCA Toronto emergency homeless shelter for women to operate at site of former Days Inn Hotel in the Beach
– interview with Heather McGregor, CEO
Beach Metro News | May 4, 2020

How you can help vulnerable people in Toronto during the coronavirus crisis
– mentions YWCA Toronto
Toronto.com | April 17, 2020

Thousands march in Toronto for International Women's Day
– interview with Firoozeh Radjai, Director of Philanthropy
Global News | March 8, 2020

'No one is consenting': How social media is re-traumatizing victims of domestic abuse
– interview with Jasmine Ramze Rezaee, Manager of Advocacy
Global News | November 27, 2019

YWCA's Breakthrough program helps women heal through the transformative power of art
– featuring Emily Hostland, Program Worker with the Breakthrough program, Healing Through The Arts
She Does The City | March 8, 2019

The red flags that signal you may be experiencing financial abuse
– interview with Tsering Tsomo, Director of Employment and Training
LowestRates.ca December 11, 2018

Statement for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Twitter Moments | December 6, 2018

How Ottawa is trying to breathe new life into a 22-year-old policy for gender equality
– interview with Colette Prevost, Director of Advocacy and Communications
Toronto Star | December 28, 2017

Gun Control is a Women's Issue – op-ed by Heather McGregor, YWCA Toronto CEO
Toronto Star | September 14, 2018

GTA women’s shelters feeling housing market pressures
– interview with Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters and Girls and Family Programs
Global News | August 31, 2017

Toronto Coach Terminal mural to help build community through art
– interview with tenants from Winona’s Place
City Centre Mirror | July 25, 2017

A $15 Minimum Wage Is A Feminist Issue
– op-ed by Etana Cain, former Senior Advocacy and Communications Officer
Huffington Post | July 13, 2017

How YWCA honouree Connie Walker discovered she wanted to be a journalist
– interview with Connie Walker, 2017 YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction
CBC News | May 18, 2017

Federal budget measures assessed based on impact on women
– interview with Etana Cain, former Senior Advocacy and Communications Officer and Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, 2017 Woman of Distinction
Toronto Star | March 22, 2017

Look To Women's Shelters To Help Shape Mental Health Conversations
– op-ed by Nina Gorka, Director of Shelters and Girls and Family Programs and Etana Cain, Senior Advocacy and Communications Officer
Huffington Post | January 26, 2017

Housing Plan Can Help End Hidden Crisis Of Women's Homelessness
– op-ed by Danielle Nakouz, Manager of the Elm Centre Supportive Housing program
Huffington Post | October 5, 2016

This Change in Legislation Should Help Domestic Violence Survivors Flee Faster
– interview with Maureen Adams, former Director of Advocacy and Communications
Torontoist | September 28, 2016

National affordable housing plan urgently needed
– op-ed by Heather McGregor, CEO
Toronto Star | September 27, 2016

Getting your period while homeless
– interview with Ertha Downey, Manager 1st Stop Woodlawn Shelter and Choices for Living Program
CBC: Out in the Open | September 16, 2016

How going to camp gave me back my happiness
– op-ed by Anissah Rajpatee, Camp Tapawingo participant
Toronto Star | July 24, 2016

Canada Child Benefit a Game-Changer for Women and Children
– op-ed by Maureen Adams, former Director of Advocacy and Communications and Etana Cain, Senior Advocacy and Communications Officer
Huffington Post | June 30, 2016

YWCA Toronto Responds to Bill 173 Second Reading
April 2024

Announcing YWCA Toronto’s 2024 Women of Distinction Award Recipients
March 2024

Game Changing Gun Control Bill Expected to Receive Royal Assent
December 2023

100+ Organizations Publish Open Letter Calling for a Provincial Declaration of Intimate Partner Violence as an Epidemic
December 2023

YWCA Ontario responds to two major investments in women, gender diverse people, and families
November 2023

September 23 Community March Against Gun Violence
September 2023

YWCA Ontario's Statement on 2SLGBTQIA+ Solidarity
September 2023

YWCA Toronto Statement on Bloomberg Report Finding Shootings in Canada Rose 869% in 2022
September 2023

Mayor Chow Responds to Community Calls to Action to Declare Gender-based Violence and Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic
July 2023

YWCA Toronto Responds to Ontario’s denial that Intimate Partner Violence Is an Epidemic

June 2023

YWCA Toronto’s 42nd Women of Distinction Awards Gala

June 2023

More than 45 Toronto Community Organizations Unite to Launch #ShowUpTO Campaign, Urging Mayoral Candidates to Address Poverty and Inequality

June 2023

YWCA Ontario Coalition responds to the 2023 Provincial Budget

March 2023

YWCA Toronto Statement on The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 2023

$150,000 OTF Grant Provides a Breath of Fresh Air

March 2023

There's No Gender Equality Without Trans Women

March 2023

YWCA Toronto announces the 2023 Women of Distinction Award Recipients
March 2023

YWCA Toronto celebrates 150 years of national advocacy and community action
February 2023

YWCA Toronto responds to Federal Government’s National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence
November 2022

YWCA Ontario Supports Education Workers
November 2022

YWCA Toronto’s Statement on the 2022 Municipal Election Results
October 2022

YWCA Toronto and WomanACT launch joint municipal election campaign #VoteEquityTO
October 2022

Provincial Budget Continues to Miss the Mark - YWCA Ontario Responds to 2022 Provincial Budget
August 2022

YWCA Toronto Statement on the Overturning of Roe v. Wade
June 2022

YWCA Ontario’s Statement on the 2022 Provincial Election Results
June 2022

YWCA Ontario Campaign Urges Political Candidates to “Choose Gender Equity” This Election
May 2022

YWCA Ontario's Response to the 2022 Provincial Budget
April 2022

YWCA Toronto Analysis of the 2022 Federal Budget
April 2022

YWCA Toronto’s Statement on the Canada-Ontario Child Care Deal
March 2022

City of Toronto and YWCA Toronto reopen YWCA Davenport
December 2021

YWCA Ontario Coalition – Fall Economic Statement Response
November 2021

YWCA Ontario Campaign Urges Provincial Plan to End Ontario's She-cession
October 2021

YWCA Toronto Statement on Recent Act of Anti-Muslim Violence
June 2021 

Federal Budget 2021 Statement
April 2021

Ontario YWCA Coalition Joint Analysis of the Ontario 2021 Budget
March 2021

YWCA Toronto Statement on The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 2021

YWCA Toronto Statement on the Passed 2021 City Budget
February 2021

“A real win for our community!” Celebrating the opening of 389 Church Street
February 2021

YWCA Toronto Statement on the Draft 2021 City Budget
January 2021

YWCA Toronto Statement on Ontario 2020 Budget
November 2020

YWCA Toronto Statement on 2020 Throne Speech
September 2020

YWCA Toronto Statement on Racial Justice
June 2020

Ontario Rate of Child Poverty Higher Now Than in 1989
May 2020

YWCA Statement on Gun Control
May 2020

Income Security in the Time of COVID-19
April 2020

YWCA Toronto Solidarity Statement 
February 2020

YWCA Toronto Statement on the 2019 Ontario Budget 
April 2019

Statement by YWCA Toronto on Cuts to Social Assistance
August 01, 2018

CEO Statement on the 2018 Ontario Election Results
June 08, 2018

YWCA Toronto Statement on the Tragedy in Toronto
April 2018

Ontario Budget Brings Welcome News for Women 
March 2018

2018 YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Media Release
March 2018 

Canada’s National Housing Strategy Brings Women’s Homelessness Into Focus
November 2017