NDP’s Wong-Tam and Faqiri family call on province to stop criminalizing mental health crises

QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition NDP critic for Attorney General, Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre) joined members of Soleiman Faqiri’s family, the Elizabeth Fry Society, and advocates to call on the Conservative government to accept the first recommendation from the inquest into Mr. Faqiri’s death.

Wong-Tam announced Justice for Soli Act, 2024 to stop criminalizing mental health crises.

“We cannot arrest our way out of the mental health and addictions crisis in our province,” said Wong-Tam. “Soli’s untimely and preventable death is one of the many heartbreaks that families across our province are experiencing. How many more tragic deaths and inquests do we need until we see accountability and action from our government?”

“Imagine what it feels like to fight for an inquiry for almost seven years,” said Yusuf Faqiri, brother of Soleiman. “Imagine that the inquiry provides you with the agonizing truth that your loved one was killed in prison by guards at the institution. And then silence. The premier who claims to care for ‘ordinary’ Ontarians does not even acknowledge your loved one’s death. This is my family’s story, dealing with a government that has abdicated their responsibility to vulnerable Ontarians.”

Wong-Tam is joining the Faqiri family’s call for an apology from the Premier.