Horwath: NDP government will ban carding, introduce Ontario Anti-Racism Fund

At the Black Community Provincial Leader’s Debate Wednesday evening, Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath announced that her party will end the controversial police practice of carding, and create an Ontario Anti-Racism Fund should the NDP form government in June.

The NDP Leader also highlighted her plans to make life more affordable for all Ontarians, and fix the long health care wait times and hallway medicine plaguing health care throughout the province.

“Carding, arbitrary and race-based street checks are harmful to black Ontarians and the black community and need to be banned,” said Horwath. “Kathleen Wynne’s progress so far on banning carding has left big loopholes, and that's unacceptable.”

Horwath says the NDP will finally bring an end to carding by limiting police use of exemptions and requiring police to disclose whether any exempted checks actually helped resolve investigations.

Horwath also revealed her party's plan to introduce the Ontario Anti-Racism Fund. The fund will be administered by the Anti-Racism Directorate and will be mandated to support community organizations fighting racism and fostering equity and inclusion with a $20-million investment over four years.

“We need to take a proactive approach when it comes to ending systemic racism in Ontario,” said Horwath. “As premier, I will make sure that community organizations already doing this important work are supported, and that the Anti-Racism Directorate has the staff and resources it needs to do its job. Without an explicit focus on equity, we can’t expect things to change. I believe this province can walk the walk when it comes to fighting systemic racism, instead of just talking the talk.”

Other policies discussed at the event include Horwath’s plan to implement Canada’s first universal pharmacare program, which will cover everyone, regardless of age or income, and the NDP plan to provide dental care for everyone.

"I love Ontario. And I believe we can do so much better to ensure everyone can build their best life here. A healthier province, and a more affordable province is not just possible -- it's on its way," said Horwath.