Political leadership in Toronto questioned following city’s recent shooting deaths

TORONTO – Just days after Jarvis Montaque became the fourth GTA youth to be killed by gun violence in little more than a month, city council could soon be looking at what officials can do to stem the problem – but approximately six years after the murder of Jordan Manners – what has changed?

Despite four young kids being gunned down since the beginning of 2013, political leaders and government officials hesitate to call the violence, a “crisis.”

“I think there does need to be an ongoing conversation between government agencies and the city of Toronto,” said Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.

“We all have a responsibility in our communities, not just those young people,” said Toronto police chief Bill Blair. “It’s not just a housing issue, certainly not just a police and criminal justice issue, it’s a community issue.”

However, past politicians, including former mayors Mel Lastman and David Miller, and former Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino have had similar responses to youth violence.

“Council is going to do what it can to fulfill its part,” said former Toronto mayor David Miller.

“I think we are making progress, it’s a slow and very difficult road.” said former Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino.

A year after the murder of Jordan Manner, the Report on the Root Causes of Youth Violence was released by Chief Justice Roy McMutry and Dr. Alvin Curling.

On Wednesday, Councillor Josh Matlow is tabling a motion to review the report and implement some of it’s recommendations.

“We have expert advice, we’ve been told what we need to do, now it’s going to take some political will to move forward and do it,” said city councillor Josh Matlow.

However, some outreach workers in Toronto believe that the community has taken steps forward since the murder of Jordan Manners.

“This is all as a result of the ongoing talking and communication that is happening, which is necessary for coordination to result,” said Likwa Nkala.

But Nkala says much can still be done.

-with a report from Global Toronto’s Mark Carcasole