Stephen Lecce, one of the highest-ranking ministers in Doug Ford’s cabinet, has apologized in the midst of an Ontario election campaign for participating in a so-called “slave auction” to raise funds 15 years ago.
Lecce took part in a 2006 Sigma Chi event called the “slave auction” while leading the fraternity department at Western University, the Left-wing PressProgress website reported on Tuesday night.
Hours after the story surfaced, Lecce published a two-line statement apologizing “unreservedly” and not denying his involvement.
“The 2006 event was inappropriate and in no way reflects who I am as a person, which is why I unreservedly apologize,” Lecce said in a statement.
“I will continue to passionately support the interests of all Ontarians – regardless of religion, heritage, orientation or race.
The new Democrats in Ontario want Lecce to do more than apologize. They are urging him to step down as a candidate for the PC race in King-Vaughan.
“Slavery is not a joke,” the NDP said in a statement signed by three of the party’s black candidates: Jill Andrew (Toronto, St. Paul), Faisal Hassan (York, South Weston) and Laura May Lindo (Kitchen Center).
“Mr Lecce chose to lead and take part in events that ridiculed and downplayed this painful story. He also chose to cover them up for years as a civil servant,” the NDP candidates said.
“Under no circumstances should the people of this province, or even more alarmingly, our children, be represented by him at this time.
Lecce has been Minister of Education in the Ford Government for almost three years.
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