As of June 22, 2009 Toronto is currently in the midst of a city-wide strike which is effecting garbage pick-up, over 300 city-run daycare centres and recreation programs, ferry services to Toronto Island and other city services.

Despite being a financial centre, Toronto has withstood the current recession (2009) quite well. While jobs have been lost in manufacturing centres around the city, overall Toronto (and Canada, in general) is faring much better than many other urban areas in the world.

Also an important cultural center, Toronto has a diverse ethnic population. A popular city for immigrants, both historically and in modern times, almost 50% of residents are non-native Canadians.

Toronto is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the world to live due to overall cleanliness, welcoming attitude toward diversity, low crime rates and relatively high standards of living.

During the summer there are festivals each weekend from Taste of Little Italy, the Toronto Jazz Fest, Vegetarian Food Fair, and Taste of the Danforth.