Toronto mayoral candidates speak out on the latest TTC tragedy
The stabbing death of a 16-year-old in what Toronto police said was an unprovoked attack at the Keele subway station has brought new urgency to the issue of safety at the TTC.
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Gabriel Magalhaes, 16, of Toronto, was attacked while sitting on a bench on Saturday and a 22-year-old homeless man has been charged with first-degree murder, police say.
Toronto’s mayoral candidates, many keenly aware that public confidence in the transit system’s safety was at low levels following a series of high-profile violent incidents, have either spoken out or been asked to comment on this latest tragedy of this latest tragedy.
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Official nominations won’t open until April 3, but these candidates are among those who have announced they intend to run in the June 26 by-election to replace former Mayor John Tory.
Ana Bailao: “Something is wrong when a 16-year-old child loses his life while sitting at one of our transit stations. The police should immediately reinstate the additional officers on the TTC. We need to work with the province to see how we can get the 200 new officers funded in the 2023 city budget onto our streets as soon as possible. And in the longer term, we need to address the root causes with community and mental health support.”
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Brad Bradford tweeted: “The TTC already has $15 million from the Safeguards Reserve Fund, but is only using 10% of that. We need to see real action on this. Now.”
Anthony Furey: “This incident is just horrifying and now every parent is worried that their son or daughter could be next. The status quo approach to public safety is clearly not working. If I’m elected mayor, I will support the police and not call for disappointing them like some of the others have done recently. I also want to focus heavily on drug treatment to treat some of the people on our streets who may be prone to violence.”
Mark Saunders tweeted: “This kid just sat there. Everything is connected to public safety, especially and fundamentally – how we deal with mental health. A murder like this – its randomness – speaks to a massive deficit in the way we are addressing the mental health needs of the people of Toronto.”
Gil Penalosa tweeted: “Another murder on public transport! A 16 year old. What does TTC do? Police? Both with huge budgets and salaries, bad results. Responsibility? Fail. Mayor & Police Board must take role. Years of security failure. Not for more money; Accountability. A city. Mental health.”