Comments by Vaughan-Woodbridge MPP Michael Tibollo not racist

Yorkregion.com
August 16, 2018
Bonnie DiVona

The article raised the claim by NDP Leader Andrea Horwath of “racism.”

Without dispute, our society can and should reject and condemn any act, expression or practice in which someone is treated as inferior based upon racial identification.

Michael Tibollo, MPP stated: “Personally, I went out to Jane and Finch, put on a bulletproof vest and spent 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the morning visiting sites that had previously had bullet ridden people killed in the middle of the night.” 

His comment and conduct did not identify any racial group. Instead it showed sensitivity to a diverse and economically challenged community.   

Minister Tibollo's action is a normal police practice when a “civilian” is under the control of the police. As a former councillor, and founder Vaughan Safe City, I did a Vaughan “ride along” with the police and respected the police when they asked me to put on a vest. I also wear a seatbelt when driving, a life-jacket when on the water and a sport cup when playing hockey. Vaughan benefitted with precedent-setting safety programs. I look forward to seeing the programs to be introduced by the minister