JCA expresses concern on recent shootings

Toronto, Canada, July 19, 2012

The Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) views with shock and much sadness the carnage wrought by the unnecessary and brutal shooting in Scarborough on Monday evening (July 16, 2012) and yet again Wednesday night in the Lawrence area with another young man a victim of violence.

The Board, Management and Staff of JCA would like to express its sincere condolences to family and friends affected by these shocking incidents, and hope for a speedy arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. In addition, JCA will be working closely with the responsible public and officials, community organizations and civil society to implement a long-term solution to the continuing problem of gun violence and proliferation of firearms in the Greater Toronto Area.

JCA, along with other community leaders and organizations have requested to be included in the meeting with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair to formulate a long-term action plan. It is our hope that this plan will build past successes and include full implementation of the recommendations outlined in the 2008 Roots of Youth Violence report initiated by the provincial government and developed in consultation with a wide cross-section of stakeholders in Ontario.

For almost fifty years, the JCA has been advocating and mobilizing for improved outcomes for youth and families in the Greater Toronto Area. Based on JCA’s long and successful history serving affected communities, we are uniquely equipped to be a part of the solution and has a vested interest in ensuring that the communities we represent are included in the process.