Sheet No. 04
By Dr. Reza Moafi, Founder and President ·
In short
Equality means giving everyone the same thing. Equity means giving each person what they need to reach the same place. The goal is the same. The path changes from one person to another.
A true story: library late fees
For years in Montréal, returning a book late cost money. The rule was the same for everyone. But a mother with four children and a small budget could quickly build up a big debt. Her account was blocked. So the family stopped coming back.
On October 6, 2021, the City abolished late fees in all its libraries. The mayor at the time explained that this reduces inequalities and makes it easier to reach books, culture and computers. The same rule for everyone was not fair to everyone: that is equity.
The role of the City and the governments
In Montréal, the Accès-Loisirs program lets low-income residents sign up for free sports, arts and culture activities. Boroughs run it with local organizations.
The Government of Canada, in its Cultural Spaces Fund, takes into account the needs of groups that are often left out: Indigenous peoples, Deaf and disabled people, official-language minority communities, and others.
And Matin? At Matin, our public activities are free. Our walk on November 7, 2026, was free, open to everyone, with a hot drink, near the metro.
Matin’s role
Equity starts with a simple question: “Who is not coming, and why?” Price, distance, language, timing or a staircase can keep people out.
And Matin? Already done: our site exists in French, English and Persian, and these sheets are written in plain words. We want to keep asking this question before every activity.
To remember
- Equality: the same thing for everyone. Equity: what each person needs.
- An equal rule can be unfair to some.
- Always ask: who is not coming, and why?