Equity Without Evidence? Analysis of the City of Toronto’s Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which the “Job Opportunities & Income Supports” section of the City of Toronto’s Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism defines and measures progress in improving employment and economic opportunities outcomes for Black Torontonians. Using 38 City reports and documents from 2017 to 2024, the study uses an evaluative, qualitative analysis supported by NVivo coding to evaluate clarity, transparency, and empirical verifiability. The study finds that while Toronto’s Action Plan reflects institutional commitment and public accountability, it lacks standardized evaluation frameworks and measurable outcome indicators necessary for verifying long-term impact. Although this reflects broader gaps in municipal DEI practices, it does not suggest a lack of progress. Instead, it highlights the evolving nature of equity work and the need for stronger tools to track and sustain change. Recommendations include developing standardized outcome indicators, enhancing data transparency, and utilizing standardized evaluation approaches to more effectively measure the impacts of equity over time.