Ontario Government pledges $75 Million to tackle gun and gang violence across the province amidst scepticism

BY PAUL JUNOR

Gun and gang violence in Toronto has been a persistent one and has received attention from federal, provincial and municipal governments. The Ontario government announced that it would be investing $75.1 million to combat gun and gang violence across the province.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement at a news conference outside a police station in Toronto. He stated, “Gun and gang violence will not be allowed to thrive in Ontario. There can be no mercy when it comes to cracking down on these crimes. We will do everything in our power to support our frontline policing personnel and justice sector, so they have the resources and support needed to tackle illegal activity. We will spare no response to keep our communities and kids safe today, tomorrow and for years to come.”

The Ontario government hopes that the funds do the following when it is invested in police forces across Ontario:

• Dismantle criminal activity
• Enhance investigative supports
• Increase collaboration throughout the justice sector
• Stop the flow of illegal guns across the border

Premier Ford believes that by increasing police manpower it will make a big difference. He notes, “We need boots on the ground, we need more police officers on the ground. They’ve been stressed out; their budgets are always under review, always being chopped. We need to put money back in there to have the women and men in uniform out there going after these gangs and guns. It’s very simple.”

Jooyoung Lee, Associate Professor of Sociology at University of Toronto has described the decision by the government as “short-sighted.” He stated in a tweet, “Imagine if more gun violence solutions were truly aimed at upstream causes? Instead, leaders here and elsewhere keep waiting until young people are injured or killed to get tough on crime. It’s such a short-sighted and reactionary way of dealing with gun violence.”

Mitzie Hunter, Member of Provincial Parliament, spoke to the private member’s bill, “The Safe and Healthy Communities Act,” that she will be introducing to the Ontario Legislature. She wrote, “I am deeply concerned and heartbroken in light of the recent acts of gun violence in our community. To those affected, please know my office is always able to assist you in accessing support.” She further stated, “Gun violence leaves long-term impacts on our communities, and the province must do more to break the cycle of violence and support communities as they heal.”

If the Ontario Legislature passes the bill, it will declare that “Gun violence is a public health issue and counselling for survivors would be covered by OHIP.” So far, the Toronto Board of Health and Toronto City Council have endorsed the bill. The investment by the provincial government will go towards forming the Office of Illicit Drug Intelligence with the purpose of stopping the flow of drugs into Ontario. There will also be the creation of a mobile persecution team that will be focused on combating guns and gangs.