Commemorating the National Day Against Gun Violence
Established in 2023, the National Day Against Gun Violence in Canada is a significant annual event observed on the first Friday of June. This initiative, introduced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, holds great importance as it aims to raise awareness about gun violence prevention and foster national discussions on its causes and effects.
Toronto’s Commemoration in 2024
On June 7, 2024, the City of Toronto held a ceremony to mark the second annual National Day Against Gun Violence. The event occurred at the Peace Garden in Nathan Phillips Square, providing a solemn setting for reflection and commitment.
Mayor Chow’s Proclamation
Mayor Olivia Chow officially proclaimed June 7, 2024, the “National Day Against Gun Violence” in Toronto. In her proclamation, she emphasized the day’s importance in honoring victims of gun violence and recognizing its devastating impacts on families and communities.
Highlights
During the commemoration, several important City initiatives were showcased:
SafeTO: The City’s 10-Year Community Safety & Well-Being Plan aims to transform gun violence prevention and intervention approaches.
TO Wards Peace: A program that brings together community groups, local organizations, health centers, and city officials to interrupt, intervene, and prevent gun violence.
Mayor’s Community Safety Awards: This initiative celebrates innovative projects that help build safe communities and reduce violence.
Community Healing and Unity Grant
The goal of the national day is to raise awareness and encourage national discussion about the causes and effects of gun violence. In alignment with this proclamation, June 2024 the City launched the Community Healing and Unity Grants. This one-time, city-wide funding opportunity supported initiatives and activities that promoted peace and the reduction of gun violence in the city of Toronto. Through community-led commemorative activities and events, these grants honoured the collective memory of those lost to gun violence, showing solidarity with affected families, lost ones and communities.
This funding opportunity aimed to provide a space for collective healing, remembrance, peace, unity and the acknowledgement of the impact of gun violence across the city of Toronto. Funding supported communities in building their own capacity to share their stories about the impact of gun violence and community resilience.
Mayor Chow acknowledged the need for action, pointing to the City’s SafeTO strategy as a potential solution. The strategy includes 26 priority actions to create a safer Toronto through neighbourhood investments and collaboration between organizations.
