Stephen Lecce apologizes for participating in ‘slave auction’ during fraternity days

Lecce, who was the education minister in the most recent parliament, released his apology on Tuesday night after a report was released by the Broadbent Institute's Press Progress.

Lecce published his two-line apology, which did not deny involvement in the event.

"The event from 2006 was inappropriate and in no way reflects who I am as a person, which is why I unreservedly apologize," Lecce wrote, according to CTV News.

"I will continue to passionately advance the interests of all Ontarians — irrespective of faith, heritage, orientation or race."

A web archive of the fraternity's website, Sigma Chi, shows Lecce writing a statement congratulating members new to the fraternity.

"Our alumni brothers who range from academic scholars, corporate executives, philanthropists, politicians and community leaders continue to live the values they have learned through Sigma Chi many years ago," Lecce wrote.

The page shows the fraternity's "Chapter News" which listed the upcoming 2006 "slave auction."

Lecce was listed as a slave on the page.

Ontario Liberal Party leader Stephen Del Duca said that it would be up to "racialized" Canadians to decide whether or not Lecce's apology will do.

"I understand he's apologized, but I think it is best left to racialized Ontarians, vulnerable Ontarians, who are in a position of having to deal with this kind of behavior far too often, for them to be in a position to respond to whether or not his apology is good enough," Del Duca said.

Ontario NDP leader Andrew Horwath said that Lecce's involvement in the auction is a "very painful" and "hurtful" thing to do to members of the black community.

"I have to say that our former Black caucus members, the founders of our Black caucus, put out a statement last night and I stand by that statement 100 per cent," Horwath said on Wednesday.

Ontario NDP candidates condemned Lecce for his "clear anti-Black racism."

"Under no circumstances should the people of this province, or even more alarmingly our children, be represented by him at this time," Toronto-St. Paul's candidate Dr. Jill Andrew wrote in a statement with NDP candidates Faisal Hassan and Dr. Laura Mae Lindo.

"Doug Ford and the PC party must remove him. We are also calling on Doug Ford, as the Leader of the PC party, to clearly and unequivocally condemn Mr. Lecce’s actions."