The family of the toddler who died after a driver crashed into a Richmond Hill daycare last week held a public memorial service Sunday morning, where they also demanded accountability for the collision and better public safety at Ontario child-care facilities.
The service for Liam Riazati took place in Richmond Hill starting at 10 a.m., says a news release sent by a family spokesperson.
“Liam’s life was cut short, but his story must bring change,” said a family spokesperson in the news release about the event.
In a statement, the family is remembering their only child and grandchild for his laughter, curiosity and for being “the heart” of the family. He loved balloons, balls, flowers and teddy bears, they said.
“Liam was a bright, joyful and loving child who brought light and happiness into the lives of everyone who knew him.”
The family is also calling for a transparent investigation into the circumstances of Liam’s death, stronger safety regulations at childcare centres and public awareness to ensure “other families are not forced to endure the same heartbreak.”
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“No parent should ever have to wonder if ‘drop-off’ is safe. No child should ever feel the fear that some children felt that day,” the family’s statement said.
“His loss has left an emptiness that can never be filled, but his memory will forever remain our greatest treasure.”
Daycares should be the safest place for a child, said Liam’s aunt, Mina Riazati, adding the location in a commercial plaza, next to a parking lot and behind walls of glass, is not the best way to protect children.
She said officials need to “stop talking” and either create or enforce legislation to protect children, especially at daycares.
“We didn’t think for a second that we’d be gathered for his funeral,” said Mina after the memorial service. “I don’t know if he is the first one [to die in crash like this], but he will be the last one.”
The only thing that will bring the family peace is change to the current system and possibly the introduction of legislation in memory of Liam to push that forward, she said.
Officials should also look at the age requirements of drivers in addition to regulatory safety around daycares, said Hooshang Lotfi, a friend of Liam’s father.
He says its heartbreaking to think of the family’s situation, from moving to Canada and creating a better life to suddenly have “everything come crashing down with this tragedy.”
“I don’t know if there will be any remediation for this pain,” said Lotfi.
A man in his 70s has been charged with one count of dangerous operation causing death and two counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm following the crash at First Roots Early Education Academy Wednesday.
Seven children and three adults were taken to hospital with injuries Wednesday. Liam was pronounced dead at the hospital, said police.
In a post on social media on Thursday night, Education Minister Paul Calandra said the government is proposing that operators and municipalities must prevent the use of parking spaces immediately adjacent to entryways, windows and exterior walls of classrooms or playgrounds at child-care facilities.
He said child-care facilities operating out of private homes would be exceptions.
He said he has directed his ministry to work with service managers, inspectors and service providers to identify “vulnerabilities” and take immediate action ahead of upcoming legislative changes.
