Mayor John Tory announces new measures to tackle rising gun violence
At a press conference Wednesday morning, Mayor John Tory announced several new measures to tackle gangs and the rising gun violence in the city.
At city hall, Tory revealed 16 initiatives that would protect the safety of Toronto communities, with some of them being implemented right away.
The safety of our city depends on all of us being relentless in addressing some of the causes of crime as well as addressing crime itself. That’s why today I’m outlining some further details of the investments we will be making in our communities some of them starting right away. pic.twitter.com/TGn4xD7UIJ
— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) July 18, 2018
Tory said the City has applied to the National Crime Prevention Strategy Fund for many of the new program expansions, while the City will provide funding for the remaining 16 initiatives, which include expanding youth job programs and a children’s crisis recovery team.
One of the initiatives includes creating two additional job fairs in the coming weeks for young people living in areas more affected by violence.
Tory said the job fairs would include opportunities for those with past involvement with the justice system.
I have also asked city staff to create 2 additional job fairs in the coming weeks for young people living in areas more affected by the violence. These job fairs will include opportunities for people who have had past involvement with the justice system.
— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) July 18, 2018
Tory also announced that Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) officials are providing funding to employ an additional 50 young people this summer through YouthWorx, a TCHC initiative that sees young people do small labour projects in TCHC neighbourhoods.
TCHC officials will also be moving ahead with my request to provide funding to employ an additional 50 young people this summer through YouthWorx – a TCHC initiative that sees young people do small labour projects in TCHC neighbourhoods.
— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) July 18, 2018
Tory said these programs will help “point kids in a positive direction and gives young people a fair chance at a job.”
Additionally, Police Chief Mark Saunders will be taking the steps to ensure there are police officers available where and when they are needed during the summer.
Our police chief is also taking steps to make sure we have police officers available where they are needed and when they are needed this summer. I support him & will continue to advocate strongly for tougher gun & bail policies to protect the safety of our communities.
— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) July 18, 2018
Tory said these investments will total “at least $12 million of the $15 million dollar plan to date” and they will “make our communities stronger right now and keep them strong into the future.”
This announcement comes almost a week after Tory and Police Chief Mark Saunders outlined their commitment to staffing changes and more funding for community initiatives that would prevent gun and gang violence.
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