Black and Jewish groups call for Manners inquiry

Leaders from the black and Jewish communities came together Wednesday to push the Ontario government to call a public inquiry into the death of Jordan Manners.

The 15-year-old was shot dead in the hallway of his high school, C.W. Jefferys, two weeks ago. The school is located in the troubled Jane-Finch corridor.

"The message coming from here today is loud and clear: this not a Jane-Finch problem," said Frank Diamond, a representative from B'nai Brith.

Family lawyer Courtney Betty applauded Tuesday's announcement from the Toronto District School Board that a panel was being established to review school safety, but he said the province must also act.

"We are united today to send a strong message that now is the time for action," said Betty. "It really is not the time to take a wait-and-see attitude.

"It would be fatal for us to overlook the urgency of the moment."

Representatives from B'nai Brith and the GTA Faith Alliance told reporters they wanted a provincial inquiry into Manners' death along with the appointment of a youth commissioner.

Reverend Don Meredith promises action from the coalition.

"Thirteen years ago there were several recommendations made that weren't implemented. We're saying enough of that. The coalition here will ensure that those will be implemented in a systematic fashion to ensure that there is impact and that it's not just a report again of a situation and it's filed," he said.

"We must ensure that there's implementation, if not, we will be again 10 years from now in the same position."

The groups have planned a citizen's inquest on June 12 at a community centre near C.W. Jefferys.

B'nai Brith leaders said they had joined the cause to show that youth violence is not just an isolated problem within the black community.

The groups also urged the federal government to implement measure to curb gun violence.

Manners' mother Lorraine Small was scheduled to speak at Wednesday's news conference, but she broke down and couldn't compose herself.

"Wherever parents are grieving, wherever parents have lost young children ... wherever there is something that is not right, we need the government of Canada to make it right for everyone," said Manners' aunt Louisa.

Two 17-year-olds boys, who police say are "probably'' friends of Manners, are charged with first-degree murder. They are in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

A coroner's inquest will not likely be called until the criminal charges are dealt with, CTV's John Musselman reported.

NDP Leader Howard Hampton and Conservative Leader John Tory have both shown support for the inquiry.

Meanwhile, C.W. Jefferys is one of about 150 schools in Toronto's troubled and poverty-stricken neighbourhoods that will remain open this summer to keep students busy and safe.

The Ontario government announced Wednesday it will give $4 million for schools in city-designated neighbourhoods such as Jane and Finch and Malvern.

With a report from CTV's John Musselman and files from The Canadian Press