Friday was National Day Against Gun Violence. The event was held after last weekend's shooting in Etobicoke that left two dead and three injured. Mayor Olivia Chow was among those who attended the event at the Peace Garden in Nathan Phillips Square. To those who feel scared, to families who don't want to go out and play with their kids, I tell them the police are out there in the community looking out for them. Do not let fear rule you. "Together we can protect each other."

The Toronto Youth Council, along with activists and students from North Albion College, called on Chow and other city councilors to allocate more funding to the Rexdale area, while also calling on the city to focus on crime prevention and youth employment.

"The youth of our city deserve to grow and flourish in environments rich in opportunity, not poverty and violence," read a joint statement from the Toronto Youth Council and the Toronto District School Board.

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