Ontario party leaders face off in black community debate - without Ford

Premier Kathleen Wynne,NDPleader Andrea Horwathand Green Party leader Mike Schreiner faced off at a black community debate Wednesday, but Doug Ford didn't show.

The Ontario PC leader declined an invitationto the debate. He wasbusy hosting his own rally at Cambrian College in Sudbury, part of hisbrief tour of northern Ontario.

The crowd didn't hide their feelings they booed when Ford'sname was announced as a no-show.

Despite his absence,the debate ensued, kicking offwith pledges from the leaders to address issues facingthe black community.

"I've always known systemic racism exists,"Wynne said. "You all know that."

SchreinerandHorwathalsoacknowledged anti-black racism.

In her opening statement,Horwathtouched on the impact the welfare system has on black children, and thecriminal justice system on black men.

"You've worked so hard for so long. It's time for a new premier to work just as hard," she said.

Schreineraddressed carding as one of the community's most pressing struggles.

'It's about fixing the imbalance'

Wynnesaid random street checks aren't acceptableadding that a cultural shift needs to happen andsaid her party is continuing to work to find a balance.

"Balance is not what it's about. It's about fixing the imbalance," repliedHorwath.

Both Horwath and Schreinersaid their parties would eliminate carding, gainingpositive reactionfrom the crowd.

But Wynneswitched her focus back to Ford, noting his absence and record on carding.The PC leader saidhe supportsthe idea of bringing back TAVIS (Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy), which was disbanded over carding concerns.

'I know it's not enough.'

When the leaders were asked what they would do about health equity, Wynne said, "I know it's not enough.I know we're not there yet."

"It's been 15 years and we haven't seen the kind of change that we need," repliedHorwath.

Schreinersaid the province should be matching the B.C. health care budget, with which both Horwath and Wynne agreed.

The high number of black students expelled or suspended in schoolswas also discussed.

Schreiner and Wynnesaidthe solution lies with mandated training for educators.Horwaththinks part of the problem is school closures inlower income communities.

'I love them. They love me'

Ford defended skipping the debate last week:"I have massive support in the black community. I love them. They love me," he said.

"There's no other politician in this country,no other politician outside of Rob Ford, that has supported the black community more than I have."

CBC reporters were at the North Yorkdebate and at Ford's rally in Sudbury. Recap with our live blog below.