Toronto to prioritize TDSB schools requiring programming, supports after violence

Toronto’s mayor says the city will be working with the Toronto District School Board to prioritize schools that need enhanced youth programming, mental health supports and food security initiatives.

That comes after recent violence at Toronto schools, including a stabbing that left one student in critical condition and a shooting that left one dead and another injured outside a school in the city’s east end.

Mayor John Tory says he met with representatives from the board as well as Toronto police and city staff to discuss what he calls troubling violence involving young people.

He says the city committed to increased co-operation with the TDSB in responding to violent incidents, as well as increased partnerships with community-based organizations.

Tory says the city and the TDSB will also work together to secure and deploy targeted funding from other governments to help address violence in schools.

The mayor says school violence has a direct effect on victims and families and it will take a co-ordinated effort between school boards, police, community organizations and residents to end it.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 28, 2022.

This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.