Mayor's Message - Premier’s support strengthens Welland’s call for reform

Yesterday afternoon, I received a letter from Premier Doug Ford, committing to stand with the City of Welland in pressing the federal government for urgent and lasting reform to our criminal laws and bail system. His support strengthens our call for the real change our community both needs and deserves.

We continue to grieve the tragic, horrid act that has shaken our collective sense of safety. The wound runs deep and will leave a lasting scar for so many in our community. I am told that the young victim is recovering, and I cannot overstate the relief I feel in sharing those words with you. Her recovery will not be simple. It will be a journey of many stages, from the immediate physical healing to the extended and potentially life-long emotional and mental recovery.

In the face of this darkness, I have witnessed our community rally around her with love, courage, and conviction. I am profoundly proud of Welland. Despite seething anger and fear, we are channeling that energy into meaningful action: vigils, peaceful demonstrations, powerful protests, and united demands to government. And people are listening. I believe change is coming and I will continue to fight for it.

Nothing can erase what happened. The joy, the laughter, and the light of a child are among life’s most sacred gifts, and when that is attacked, we all bear the hurt. As mayor, I will continuously raise the voice of our community, and I will not stop demanding change. I will not stop demanding action. Together with our partners in government, we will press forward until real reform is achieved.

We owe this little girl proof that we did not sit idly by. That when her light was nearly extinguished, we collected our voices and turned up the volume. As a community, we owe her that.

And that is why I welcome the Premier’s letter of support as one more step in our fight for what is right.