Ontario to Launch Fund to Enhance Daycare Safety After Tragic Incident
The province of Ontario has decided to create a $20-million fund named after a young child who tragically lost his life in a daycare center accident in Richmond Hill. The aim of this fund is to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Education Minister Paul Calandra has announced that child-care facilities will have the opportunity to apply for the Liam Riazati Memorial Fund starting early next year. These facilities, including community child-care centers, are often housed in various locations such as plazas and places of worship that are adjacent to parking areas.
The fund will support daycares in installing concrete barriers as an initial step while the province explores additional safety measures for the long term. Calandra emphasized that this fund marks a beginning, and if further assistance is required, he is prepared to provide more support.
Tragically, the accident in September resulted in the loss of Liam Riazati’s life when an SUV crashed into the daycare, causing injuries to six other children and three adults.