TAPCE wishes to offer condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the recent spike in public violence. It is also hoped that the loss of faith in the broader community can be restored soon. Standing up for what is right is difficult but necessary. The shock effect of recent developments can affect one positively or negatively. It is hoped those affected will chose to take effective actions to address the root causes of the issue.

This summer has seen too much conflict. There are too many that are willing to take extreme measures to settle grievances by resorting to violence. Many speculate why some are driven to such action. Tools and steps to mitigate escalation are present. Mechanisms to resolve conflict exist everywhere. However, they are not always recognized. These tools need to be made more readily available and enhanced.

This Monday a Summit of the province and the city will revisit this issue.  When will the recommendations previously made to address such matters be implemented. Youth unemployment remains high and supports are being eroded by austerity measures taken by all levels of government.

Internal vigilance and prudence by organizations only go so far. Individuals as well as communities need to utilize their resources in an optimal way and develop new capabilities based on evidence and research. The TCDSB explored the use of an ombudsman last school year to enhance its conflict resolution capabilities. However in the end the motion was lost in a tie vote of Trustees. 

TAPCE’s efforts to encourage the TCDSB to create an ombudsman position is a proactive response to calls from parents to strengthen conflict resolution resources at the Board. The Petition results on this matter continue to accumulate and will provide trustees with a better gauge of support during the next session. TAPCE will particularly focus on those communities whose Trustees did not vote in favour of the position. The petition will be ready to provided to Trustees when TAPCE next presents a delegation on the matter.

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