community discussion, "Who Dies While Police Budgets Rise," was held at The Church of the Holy Trinity on Saturday evening. The event was coordinated by Regis4ever Foundation and other families who have been impacted by police violence, as well as by journalist, writer and activist Desmond Cole.
After sharing a meal, people listened to community members speak about their negative experiences with police, the family members they've lost to police violence, and their struggle to heal. The proposed Toronto Police budget increase was discussed, as speakers disagreed with it and expressed that policing has caused harm rather than helped members of their communities.
The families of the late Regis Korchinski-Paquet, Anthony Aust, and Jamal Francique were all present and spoke at the event.
Vanessa Fareau, accompanied by her daughter, recites poetry and speaks about her negative experiences with police as a victim of domestic violence, at Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto on January 14, 2023. Photo by Laura Proctor
People listen as Vanessa Fareau, accompanied by her daughter, recites poetry and speaks about her negative experiences with police as a victim of domestic violence, at Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto on January 14, 2023. Photo by Laura Proctor
A memorial to victims of police violence sits near the stage at a community discussion about police violence and the proposed Toronto Police budget increase, at Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto on January 14, 2023. Photo by Laura Proctor
Writer, journalist and activist Desmond Cole speaks at a community discussion on police violence that he helped organize at Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto on January 14, 2023. Photo by Laura Proctor
The Circle of Cedar Singers, a group of two-spirit drummers and singers, perform at Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto on January 14, 2023. Photo by Laura Proctor
Winston La Rose speaks at a community discussion on police violence and the proposed Toronto Police budget increase at Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto on January 14, 2023. Photo by Laura Proctor
A memorial to victims of police violence sits near the stage at a community discussion about police violence and the proposed Toronto Police budget increase, at Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto on January 14, 2023. Photo by Laura Proctor
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