Ontario Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michael Ford, received lots of backlash on Wednesday for a comment he made about Toronto youth in a newsletter issued by his office. 

Ford, who is also the MPP for York South - Weston and the nephew of Premier Doug Ford, released a newsletter that aimed to highlight Toronto community group, Frontlines. 

The youth charity empowers children and young adults in the Weston community, as well as surrounding areas in the GTA, through home-cooked eats and structured programs such as homework clubs, leadership training, and summer camps. 

However, many notable politicians, including Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, took issue with Ford's language in the newsletter, and took to Twitter to ask him to rescind his comments. 

The newsletter reads, "organizations such as Frontlines are crucial to York South - Weston. They have fantastic programs for Youth that will assist them in the future to integrate into society." 

On Wednesday, Stiles took to social media to condemn Ford for his choice of words, writing that "words matter - and this kind of language about our neighbours isn't okay." 

Words matter - and this kind of language about our neighbours isn't okay.

Making these comments as the Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism is especially hurtful.@MichaelFordTO, please rescind these comments. #onpoli

(via @FaisalAHassan) pic.twitter.com/9vUTeudya7

— Marit Stiles (@maritstiles) March 22, 2023

MPP for Toronto - St Pauls, Dr. Jill Andrew, wrote that the word "integrate suggests these outstanding youth are not already invaluable members of society which they are." 

This is not okay. "Integrate" suggests these outstanding youth are not already invaluable members of society which they are. Considering @MichaelFordTO portfolio this is troubling. What are you going to say next time Michael? "Assimilate?" Please consider impact of language. https://t.co/0oeLQa7uBC

— Dr. Jill Andrew, PhD (she/her) (@JILLSLASTWORD) March 21, 2023

Former MPP for York South - Weston, Faisal Hassan also chimed in, writing that Ford's language in the newsletter was "very disturbing, offensive and racist." 

Soon after, Ford responded to the criticism, tweeting, "I see that different words should have been used." 

I see that different words should have been used. Frontlines is an important organization who does incredible work to empower and elevate children and youth in #YSW.

My intention was to showcase their impactful work and the difference they make each and every day.

— Michael Ford (@MichaelFordTO) March 22, 2023

"My intention was to showcase their impactful work and the difference they make each and every day." 

Ford has served as the Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism since June 2022.