The family of a young boy in Ontario is cherishing his laughter and curiosity, remembering how he brought happiness to everyone around him.
They’re also hoping that the almost 18-month-old’s death will lead to justice and responsibility.
Liam Riazati was at the First Roots Early Education Academy in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Wednesday afternoon when a car that had been parked outside crashed through the front window.
The vehicle hit several children and staff – taking Liam’s life and seriously injuring another child. In total, seven kids and three adults were sent to the hospital with injuries.
Liam’s family held a memorial and funeral on Sunday to honor their little boy.
His mother read a heartfelt letter to her son in Persian, and in an English translation provided by the family, she expressed how much joy Liam brought into their lives.
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“We had been waiting for so long for an angel to be born into our lives. I will never forget those beautiful days – those days when, if anyone asked me the last time I was truly happy, I would think of them,” she said.
“Seventeen months – just 17 months – we lived, we loved, and then everything ended. It’s been three days now, and we’ve been like walking dead in our own home. Life doesn’t go on without you, Liam.”
Liam’s aunt, Mina Riazati, spoke on behalf of the family.
![Click to play video: 'Ontario to propose safety changes after Richmond Hill daycare crash']()
2:05 Ontario to propose safety changes after Richmond Hill daycare crash
A 70-year-old man has since been charged with dangerous operation causing death and two counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm. York Regional Police have stated they don’t believe it was done on purpose.
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The day after the incident, the Ford government announced plans to change rules regarding areas surrounding childcare centers.
Education Minister Paul Calandra mentioned in a statement released Thursday afternoon that he wants to prevent people from parking right in front of or beside childcare facilities and playgrounds “to ensure the safety of children and staff.”
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“I have ordered my ministry to work with service managers, inspectors, and service providers to identify any vulnerabilities and take immediate actions in advance of upcoming legislative changes,” he wrote in a statement.
He also mentioned he would review any regulations preventing childcare centers from adding bollards or elevated curbs at their entrances.
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But Liam’s aunt believes quick action is needed from lawmakers so tragedies like this can be avoided again.
“It could be prevented from the beginning. We don’t need to lose people; we don’t need kids dying for something to change,” Mina said.
“I cannot blame anyone except those who create these laws.”
She emphasizes that daycares should follow stricter guidelines concerning their design; for instance about large glass windows.
“There is no reason for a daycare to have full wall glass. It doesn’t make sense (…) And nothing in front stopping cars? How can you blame drivers when there are no safety measures?”
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Richmond Hill Mayor David West attended the funeral as well; he says Liam’s tragic passing has affected everyone in town deeply. He agrees that change is essential; he’ll be keeping close tabs on what happens next at the provincial level.
“This is certainly one of the saddest days in our city for sure,” he commented.
Liam’s family believes that true peace can only come when laws are put into place protecting children as well as daycare workers.
“Right now daycares aren’t safe. I’m telling everyone. It’s not safe,” Mina warned.
– with files from Lexy Benedict , Gabby Rodrigues , Isaac Callan , and Colin D’Mello
© 2025 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. “It’s very hard to explain … We didn’t even think for a second that we would sit here gathered for his funeral. He was only a 17-month-old baby. Innocent,” she said outside the funeral. “He was cute, beautiful, smart. He was everything to our family.”
2:05 Ontario to propose safety changes after Richmond Hill daycare crash
A 70-year-old man has since been charged with dangerous operation causing death and two counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm. York Regional Police have stated they don’t believe it was done on purpose.
Story continues below
The day after the incident, the Ford government announced plans to change rules regarding areas surrounding childcare centers.
Education Minister Paul Calandra mentioned in a statement released Thursday afternoon that he wants to prevent people from parking right in front of or beside childcare facilities and playgrounds “to ensure the safety of children and staff.”
Trending Now
Wet Jet execs tried cramped seats on flight weeks before viral video sparked backlash
Eurasia Group says no country more at risk than Canada in relations with the U. S.
“I have ordered my ministry to work with service managers, inspectors, and service providers to identify any vulnerabilities and take immediate actions in advance of upcoming legislative changes,” he wrote in a statement.
He also mentioned he would review any regulations preventing childcare centers from adding bollards or elevated curbs at their entrances.
More on Toronto More videos
But Liam’s aunt believes quick action is needed from lawmakers so tragedies like this can be avoided again.
“It could be prevented from the beginning. We don’t need to lose people; we don’t need kids dying for something to change,” Mina said.
“I cannot blame anyone except those who create these laws.”
She emphasizes that daycares should follow stricter guidelines concerning their design; for instance about large glass windows.
“There is no reason for a daycare to have full wall glass. It doesn’t make sense (…) And nothing in front stopping cars? How can you blame drivers when there are no safety measures?”
Story continues below
Richmond Hill Mayor David West attended the funeral as well; he says Liam’s tragic passing has affected everyone in town deeply. He agrees that change is essential; he’ll be keeping close tabs on what happens next at the provincial level.
“This is certainly one of the saddest days in our city for sure,” he commented.
Liam’s family believes that true peace can only come when laws are put into place protecting children as well as daycare workers.
“Right now daycares aren’t safe. I’m telling everyone. It’s not safe,” Mina warned.
– with files from Lexy Benedict , Gabby Rodrigues , Isaac Callan , and Colin D’Mello
© 2025 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.Source link
