Black Lives Matter has 'absolutely rejected' private meeting but offer stands, Mayor Tory says

Toronto Mayor John Tory sayshis invitationfor a private meeting with the leaders of Toronto's Black Lives Matter movement still stands.

"I've made that offer, as I say,starting back weeks ago, I think even months ago," Tory said to reporters Monday. "That has been not just not responded to, it's been absolutely rejected. And that's fine, but I'm just saying that I want to move forward."

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Tory said he would convene a meeting with "other community leaders, who are people that I think can give me some advice on how we really address the core issue here."

Tory described that "core issue" as an "issue that has developed over time, which has affected the level of trust that certain parts of the community feel in their police service, that I want to get to the bottom of that."

As part of that discussion, Tory said he wanted to address issues of finding employment and staying in school.

"Again, I've been mocked by [Black Lives Matter] for connecting the issues," said Tory. "I think they're all connected to each other.

Mayor Tory didn't specify exactly who he would meet with, but said he was "in the process of compiling a list." He said he hopes to hold the meeting by the end of the week.

Tory was speaking at a media availabilityafter returning froma trip to California and Asia to promote the benefits of doing business in Toronto.