QUEEN’S PARK — Mike Schreiner released the following statement about the Premier’s Council on Equality and Opportunity:
“I support the creation of this youth council, which never should have been cancelled in the first place.
But this is clearly damage control from the Premier’s earlier denial that Canada has a systemic racism problem.
Two days ago, instead of expressing solidarity with the Black community amidst the largest anti-racism demonstrations in decades, the Premier downplayed Ontario’s racism problem.
We cannot allow one positive announcement to distract from the Premier’s failure to act on the goals of the Anti-Racism Act.
As city councillor, Doug Ford belittled anti-poverty initiatives as ‘hug-a-thug’ programs and as Premier his government cut $25 million from community programs for at-risk youth.
I urge the Premier to change course and invest in programs that combat systemic anti-Black racism and support at-risk youth.”