Maan Alhmidi, The Canadian Press
Published Monday, November 28, 2022 3:32PM EST
Last Updated Monday, November 28, 2022 6:37PM EST
Toronto schools in need of enhanced youth programming and mental-health initiatives will be prioritized for support, the city’s major said Monday as advocates emphasized the need for better social aids to prevent violence among students.
Several city high schools have seen violent incidents recently, including a shooting that left one dead and another injured and a stabbing that left one student in critical condition – with youths facing charges in both cases.
Toronto Mayor John Tory said Monday that he met with representatives from the Toronto District School Board as well as police and city staff to discuss what he called troubling violence involving young people.
The city will work with the board to prioritize schools that need enhanced youth programming, mental health supports and food security initiatives, he said.
The city is also committed to increased co-operation with the TDSB in responding to violent incidents, as well as increased partnerships with community-based organizations, Tory said.
“We all agree that violence in schools is unacceptable and we must do everything we
