Rick Tobias is best known for his life-long advocacy on behalf of low-income and marginalized people. His early professional experience in his native Saint John, New Brunswick introduced him to poverty that spans generations and requires a broad-based approach to change.

Rick began refining his understanding through his undergraduate degree in Sociology (B.A.) from Acadia University. He pursued a focus on urban communities, graduating from the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education, in Chicago, and completing a Master of Divinity degree at Acadia Divinity College. In 2003 he was awarded an Honourary Doctorate in Divinity by McMaster University.

Prior to joining the staff of Yonge Street Mission in 1983, Rick primarily worked to develop programs and ministries to address the needs of low income and inner city residents in Atlantic Canada.

In 1983, he became coordinator of YSM’s Evergreen Centre, which he refocused to address needs of street youth. His innovative work at Evergreen led to the invitation to become YSM’s CEO, a position he has held since 1989.

Rick has spoken hundreds of times on Canadian poverty, urban ministry, youth-at-risk and strategies for community-wide change. He appears frequently on television and radio, and in print media, and is sought after as a consultant and coach. Since 1984 he has been a regular lecturer at Tyndale University College & Seminary, and has both taught and consulted abroad.

Rick lives in Toronto with his wife Charis, who owns a graphic design business. They have two adult sons, Jeremy and James. Apart from family and work, his key interests are motorcycling, music, and deepening his understanding of personal spirituality.