Toronto students meet Black MPPs at Queen’s Park

MPPs FROM THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S BLACK CAUCUS WITH TORONTO STUDENTS ON THE GRAND STAIRCASE OF THE ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE BUILDING
At left in front row is Jill Andrew, MPP for Toronto-St. Paul’s. Next to her is Laura Mae Lindo, MPP for Kitchener-Centre.
At right is Faisal Hassan (wearing blue tie),MPP for York South-Weston. Next to him is Rima Berns-McGown, MPP for Beaches-East York.
Behind Hassan is Kevin York (wearing grey tie), MPP for Brampton North.

About 30 students from three secondary schools in the Greater Toronto Area came to Queen’s Park on March 27 last for “a day of learning and political engagement.”

The students  from Northview Heights Secondary School, Forest Hill Collegiate Institute and North Toronto Collegiate Institute, along with several of their teachers, toured the Ontario Legislative Building and watched the House in session.

After question period, they joined members of the Ontario New Democratic Party’s Black caucus and Black political staffers for lunch and a panel discussion on ” the political process and careers.”

Several students spoke about their experiences of discrimination within the education system and asked what can be done to end racism in schools.

In response, some of the MPPs shared their own experiences of racism and spoke of the responsibility that they have, both as elected representatives and as adults, to protect Black youth.

Jill Andrew, MPP for Toronto-St. Paul’s, told the students: ” We are here for you and we’re listening.This is your House and you’re always welcome here.”