Ford government must address root causes of violence: NDP

During question period, newly elected NDP MPPs Sara Singh (Brampton Centre) and Chris Glover (Spadina-Fort York), demanded answers from the Ford government on addressing the root causes of violence in the GTA.

“My community of Brampton has been suffering with increased violence – just as other areas of the city have. And while the violence continues, it’s clear that racialized, often young Bramptonians have been routinely carded,” said Singh who demanded the government end the discriminatory street-check practice known as carding.

“The violence in my community didn’t just happen overnight, but is evidence of a growing community that has real needs. Brampton needs more schools, and anti-violence intervention programs in the schools. We need better and more affordable transportation options. What our young people don’t need is to be further stigmatized and criminalized.”
“Over the past five years I have focused on researching gun violence through community consultations, said Glover. “Time and time again, community members have unwaveringly shared that the solution to the root causes of gun violence in our communities requires addressing issues like poverty, access to housing, access to education, and better mental health services,
“Band-Aid solutions simply do not cut it. Toronto Mayor John Tory has recognized this and has expanded funding to community programs – and we’d like to see the province come to the same realization.
New Democrats are demanding that the government listen to the voices of communities who have been working tirelessly for years to call attention to the deeper social issues that lead to gun violence.
Ontarians deserve to know what initiatives – what specific steps – the Ford government will take to address the roots of violence. What they don’t deserve is a government that cuts valuable supports that make communities safer and more livable.