Walter Gordon Symposium 2026 – Rethinking Canada’s Affordability Crisis: Cross-Sectoral Perspectives, Challenges, and Solutions

Addressing the rising cost of living and advancing efforts to secure adequate access
to housing, food security, and healthcare have dominated the public policy agenda
for virtually all levels of government, both at home and across the globe. In Canada
alone, a growing number of households report difficulty meeting basic needs,
deepening well-documented socio-economic disparities experienced by traditionally
underrepresented and historically neglected communities. Even as governments
offer domestic-level interventions, these efforts are largely shaped by broader global
forces such as the supply-chain management crisis, geopolitical conflicts, and the
climate crisis.

Hosted by the Public Policy Program at Massey College and the Munk School of
Global Affairs and Public Policy, this year’s Walter Gordon Symposium will bring
together decision-makers, community leaders, academics, and individuals with lived
and living experience to not only discuss the current state of the affordability crisis
but also co-develop evidence-based solutions in addressing this rapidly evolving
challenge.

This is a hybrid event that will be held in-person, at Massey College and
livestreamed on the Massey College YouTube channel.