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Michael Ford reacts to backlash after ‘offensive and racist’ comment about Toronto youth

Ontario Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michael Ford, responds to controversial comment in his recent newsletter. (Courtesy: @michael.ford.to/Instagram)

An Ontario minister is speaking out after being blasted for a comment he made about Toronto youth in a newsletter released by his office this week. 

On Wednesday, Michael Ford, minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism and MPP for York South, issued a newsletter highlighting a Toronto community group.

Frontlines is a youth charity group dedicated to the Weston community and other surrounding areas in the Greater Toronto Area. Its programs include homework clubs, culinary, sports, leadership training, and summer camps.

Ford’s newsletter read, “Organizations such as Frontlines are crucial to York-South-Weston. They have fantastic programs for Youth that will assist them in the future to integrate into society. I look forward to working with the team at Frontlines and continuing to strengthen the relation we have.” 

Following the release of the newsletter, several politicians confronted Ford on social media about his comments being insensitive.

Former MPP for York South-Weston Faisal Hassan was the first to point out the offensive remark on Twitter.

The next day, MPP for Toronto-St. Paul’s Dr. Jill Andrew offered her two cents and criticized Ford’s language and the implications of his choice of words. 

Not long after, Ontario NDP leader and MPP for Davenport Marit Stiles joined the conversation and asked Ford to rescind his comments. 

This prompted a response from Ford who acknowledged his poor choice of words. 

“I see that different words should have been used. Frontlines is an important organization who does incredible work to empower and elevate children and youth in #YSW. My intention was to showcase their impactful work and the difference they make each and every day,” he tweeted. 

Ford is a member of the Ontario PC party, and is also the nephew of Premier Doug Ford. The former Toronto city councillor was elected as MPP of York-South-Weston in last year’s provincial election, and shortly after was assigned the portfolio of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

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