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There was applause for NDP Leader Andrea Horwath when she said she would end streaming in education so that black students are not directed away from academic studies, and she blamed “systemic racism” for the over-representation of black young people in school suspensions and expulsions.

“Let’s build them up instead of tearing them down,” Horwath said.

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said he would flat out end carding, earning a loud roar of approval from the crowd.

Wynne agreed that more needs to be done to address inequities in the education system, and she noted her government has moved to place severe restrictions on carding, the police practice of asking people to identify themselves on the street.

“I feel that frustration,” Wynne told the crowd in response to its obvious unhappiness.

James praised the Eglinton Crosstown light-rail transit line which was funded by the provincial Liberal government but said construction had hurt black businesses.

Wynne said Metrolinx could have done a better job in the beginning dealing with those affected by construction, but said the transportation authority has since made improvements.

In a letter Wednesday, Wynne criticized Ford for missing last night’s gabfest and challenged him to commit to three televised debates.

PC Leader Doug Ford tweeted in reply: “I accept Kathleen Wynne’s challenge to three televised debates. Let’s do the first one outside the jail where the senior Liberal operative will be spending 4-months.”

Ford was referring to the sentence handed down to former Liberal political staffer David Livingston on Wednesday for the destruction of government records.

A sampling of what they said:

Premier Kathleen Wynne:“I’ve always known that systemic racism exists.”

Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner:“I want to acknowledge my privilege as a white man.”

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath:“We can never ever put the responsibility for change onto the shoulders of the black community alone.”