all news contains files from Toronto Star, CBC, The Globe and Mail, and Ontario.ca
Ontario Police do Mass DNA-Testing to find Nurse’s Murderer
June 1, 2011
The OPP are widening their search for Orangeville nurse, Sonia Varaschin’s killer, with a mass DNA-sample canvass targeting all the men who knew her.
Constable Peter Leon said that they have his DNA, and it’s only a matter of time before he is found. They are using the same software and tactic used to find Michael Briere who murdered 12-year-old Holly Jones in 2003.
Hudak Would Make Prisoners do Manual Labour
June 1, 2011
Conservative leader, Tim Hudak, is vowing to make prison inmates do manual labour, if his party wins the next election.
If his bill is passed, they would have to complete 40 hours a week, doing things liking raking and cleaning up graffiti, so that they could earn awards like coffee and gym time.
HIV KIller says Jury was Racist
June 1, 2011
Johnson Aziga, who was convicted of killing two women by infecting them with HIV, believes that he was only convicted because the jury was racist.
His convictions are related to 11 women with whom he had unprotected sex without telling them he had HIV and seven of the women became infected, with two dying of AIDS-related cancers. Mr. Aziga said openly that the jury was biased and racist and he was only convicted because of that.
Canadian ‘Lunabot’ Beats Out all American Competitors to Win NASA Design Prize
June 1, 2011
Eight engineering students from Laurentian University were able to beat out 40 other universities form around the world, in NASA’s international design competition.
The team, which was made up of fourth-year students in mechanical engineering, designed and built a “lunabot”. It is a remote-controlled machine able to excavate lunar materials – which dug and deposited a world record 237.4 kilograms of synthetic moon materials in 15 minutes, beating the University of North Dakota, who came in second, and excavated 172.2 kilograms.
No Apology or Inquiry from McGuinty for Secret G20 Law
June 1, 2011
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has said that he is not going to apologize or make an inquiry for the secret law the Liberal government passed governing police powers to detain and arrest people during the international summit.
More than 1,100 people were arrested and detained during the G20 weekend, and McGuinty has made it clear that the government could have dealt with the secret law better.
He also adds that he believes that it is up to Prime Minister Stephen Harper to call any public inquiry into mass arrests during the G20 weekend.
NDP Leader Gaining Popularity in Ontario
May 24, 2011
A new survey released by Nanos Research, shows that support for New Democratic Leader Andrea Horwath is growing, meaning that Premier Dalton McGuinty is now being pushed by both sides.
In the poll, it shows that 25% of voters think that McGuinty would be the best premier, while Conservative Leader, Tim Hudak is 6% ahead of him.
Now Horwath has 16% of the vote which is up from 10% two months ago, and it looks like her support is continuing to grow.
Gas Station Attendant in Hospital After Trying to Stop Thief
May 24, 2011
Police are looking for a man who hit a 62 year old gas attendant with his car in Mississauga. The man tried driving off without paying for his gas, when the victim tried stopping him.
The man was found lying in the middle road, as he was taken to hospital in critical condition.
he vehicle is described as a gold coloured four-door sedan, and the driver is described as black, about 20 to 30 years of age.
Tories Win by 26 Votes in Etobicoke Centre
May 24, 2011
Elections Canada have announced that Conservative member Ted Opitz, won the Etobicoke Centre riding by only 26 votes over Liberal candidate, Borys Wrzesnewskyj, who had the riding previously.
After four recounts it was confirmed that Opitz got 21,644 votes, to Wrzesnewskyj’s 21,618. The next closest in the riding was the NDP with 7,735 votes.
Fatal Car Crashes During Holiday Weekend Kills Total of 17 across Canada
May 24, 2011
This weekend was not a good one for drivers across Canada, with at least 17 people dying, which is more than last year.
On Ontario highways, 5 people died in 4 car accidents by Monday afternoon. Fatalities were down in Quebec, where six people died in five crashes, compared with eight last year.
“It’s not a good sign, even one is too many,” OPP Sgt. Dave Woodford said Monday.
Ontario Cracks Down on Phony Election Phone Calls
May 19, 2011
After numerous fake phone calls during this past federal election, that tried misleading people about the location of their polling stations, the Ontario government has introduced new legislation that would make it illegal for anyone to attempt to stop voters from casting a ballot in a provincial election by tricking them into showing up at the wrong polling station.
The penalty for election fraud would be a maximum of imprisonment for two years plus a fine of up to $25,000. The current maximum penalty is a jail term of six months and a fine of $5,000.
Ontario Man Charged after Lying about Oprah Tickets
May 19, 2011
An Ontario man is facing charges in Chicago after making up a story about being robbed of tickets to the final Oprah show tapings.
Robert Spearing said he was beaten and robbed by two men for the tickets, but in fact he really just cut his own forehead. He did this to avoid telling his wife that he never actually bought tickets to the show. He is facing charges for felony disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false police report.
Hudak Promises to Make Hydro Bills HST Free
May 19, 2011
Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader, Tim Hudak, is promising to remove the HST from hydro and home heating bills. They are also going to remove the debt-retirement charge from soaring hydro bills, which are slated to jump 46 per cent in the next five years.
This new change would save the typical household about $275 a year.
Canadarm to be Displayed in Ottawa After Final Trip
May 17, 2011
Once it returns home from its voyage with the Endeavour, the Canadarm will make its new home in the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa.
The amazing piece of technology, which made its debut 30 years ago, has to make its last trip to the International Space Station, and when it comes home will be retired and on display for those too see the the robot that was instrumental in numerous space missions.
Former Newfoundland Premier’s Son Pleads Guilty in Impaired Driving Case
May 17, 2011
Jack Tobin who is son of former Newfoundland premier and federal cabinet minister Brian Tobin, has pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing death.
He made his plea today in an Ottawa court, with what happened on Christmas Eve in connection with the death of his best friend, Alex Zolpis.
The bail of $100,000 was posted a day later, with the conditions being him abstaining from alcohol and living with his parents in Ottawa.
OPP Cracking Down on Distracted Drivers
May 17, 2011
The hydro generating stations, creating enough electricity to power 160,000 homes.
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, approved $1.6-billion project, and was in hand to watch and give the order for the final cut to be made.
Toronto Named Second Best City Worldwide
According to a new report from PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Toronto is the second best city to live in worldwide. Second only to New York City, Toronto is noted to have many opportunities in finance, tourism, livability and innovation; clean air, sports and leisure and skyscraper construction.
The one downfall was the high cost of transportation – $3 per TTC ride.
Ontario Gets First New Law School in 43 Years
May 11, 2011
The Law Society of Upper Canada has approved a proposal from Lakehead University to open a brand new law school in Thunder Bay, which will be the first time a new one had been opened in 43 years, the last opened at the University of WIndsor in 1969.
It will cost the university about $2.5 million a year to operate, which the government will pay a third of. The university also said that they are going to give preference to northerners and First Nations applicants, because of how few aboriginal people are involved in law in Ontario.
Tuition costs are estimated to range from about $12,600 in 2013 to $14,486 in 2016, which is almost have of what University of Toronto law students pay.
Undescended Testicle Given Blame for HIV Transmitted Murders
Past researcher for the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General Johnson Aziga, 54, who was convicted in April 2009 of two counts of first-degree murder, 10 counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count of attempted aggravated sexual assault, is blaming his failure to disclose his HIV on bashfulness of his undescended testicle that he also kept a secret.
Aziga who had unprotected sex with women without telling them that he had HIV, says that his whole life he hid information like that about himself, and is using this for the main part of his defence.
Johnson Aziga is the first person in Canada to be convicted of first-degree murder after two of his infected sexual partners died of AIDS. A hearing trying him as a dangerous offender will commence next week.
Half of Ontario to Have Electronic Health Records by 2013
May 11, 2011
In two years half of the people in Ontario will be able to have their complete up-to-date health records accessed electronically.
eHealth is spending $72 million to link 700 health providers from 43 Toronto area hospitals and 201 long-term care facilities to a single electronic health record system known as ConnectingGTA.
CEO of eHealth, Greg Reed, is optimistic that all of Ontario residents will have electronic health records by 2015.
Big Boost for Ontario Immunization Program
May 9, 2011
Ontario’s babies and children will soon have better protection from serious diseases, while their parents don’t have to pay.
Starting in August the government immunization program will add two new vaccines, and expand the availabilty of two others. The new vaccines are as follows:
-A new oral rotavirus vaccine to protect infants against rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration
-A combined Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella (MMRV) vaccine that will reduce the number of immunizations a child needs. Varicella is currently given as a stand-alone vaccine
-A second childhood dose of varicella vaccine to enhance protection against chicken pox.
-A lifetime dose of pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine to adults age 19-64, who often pass this highly-contagious disease to infants and children.
Because of the new additions, families will now save another $350 per child. With the whole immunization program, they are now saving a total of $1400.
Ontario’s ‘Secret’ Wage Deal Angers Employers
May 9, 2011
The Ontario government has given employees of the province’s largest public-sector union an additional wage increase of 1 per cent for 2012. This undermines the integrity of the collective bargaining process and calls into question previous settlements.
The government tried to keep the accord secret that gives 38,000 members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union an overall increase of 3 per cent in 2012. The deal basically guarantees labour peace with the union until after next October’s provincial election.
The deal has upset many employers saying the deal sets a precedent at a time when many of them face significant financial challenges.
The generosity of the deal is in contrast to the McGuinty government’s decision on the need to control spending in the public sector as it struggles with a multibillion-dollar deficit.
Judge Allows for Drunk Defence in Sexual Assault Case
May 9, 2011
A judge has ruled that accused people can claim they were too drunk to be found culpable of committing crimes, which has now reopened the major legal controversy.
While presiding over a sexual assault case in Southwestern Ontario, Mr. Justice Terrence Patterson of the Superior Court of Ontario ruled that Parliament violated the Charter of Rights with a 1995 law that prohibits the defence of excessive intoxication.
This allowed for Carl Frederick Fleming, 62, to argue that he was too drunk to appreciate his actions when he sexually assaulted a St. Thomas, Ont., woman in 2009.
After this many other cases of beatings and sexual assault were also acquitted, making the issue a hot one among women’s rights groups and the Supreme Court.
Murderer Acquitted After Disgraced Pathologist’s Testimony
May 9, 2011
A man who pleaded guilty in the death of his infant son has been acquitted because of testimony from now-disgraced pathologist Charles Smith.
Mr.Blant has been a acquitted by the Ontario Court of Appeal, after being charged with manslaughter in 1993, after the death of his two-month-old baby.
Originally another doctor recorded the baby’s death the result of respiratory problems but Smith concluded it as shaken baby syndrome.
Because Smith’s lost his medical license earlier this year, Blant was wrongfully accused, as well as many other possible cases.
Former NHLer Granted Day Parole
May 9, 2011
52 year old Rob Ramage, who was charged for impaired driving causing death in 2003, and is ten months into a four year sentence, was granted a one day parole.
Ramage tells press that he is remorseful of his actions and that he will never forget or forgive himself for what he did.
He also has a job ready for him, for his release, educating at-risk groups on the dangers of drunk driving.
McGuinty Shifts Blame to Harper on Secret G20 Law
May 9, 2011
Ontario Premier Dalton McGunity says that it is Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s responsibility to call a public inquiry into the mass arrests during the G20 weekend in Toronto last June.
Because it was a federal government event, and federally funded, the Prime Minister has to make the inquiry into the event that saw over 1,100 people arrested and detained, which the Ontario Ombudsman, Andre Marin calls a mass violation of civil rights.
However, provincial NDP justice critic Peter Kormos says that McGuinty is shirking his responsibilities and is trying to revert blame to Harper.
Ontario Daycare Inspection Reports Now Available Online
May 9, 2011
The province is expanding its website for child care to now include inspection reports for daycares of the past 3 years.
The reports show whether day cares store medication and food properly, provides enough supervision, have fire safety plans, and evaluate the cleanliness and safety of equipment and furnishings.
The day cares were already required to have hard copies of the reports but now they can be easily accessed and frequently updated.
Hudak Changes His Mind to Trash Human Rights Tribunal
May 9, 2011
Tim Hudak locked up leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario by promising to do away with the province’s human-rights tribunal two years ago.
He has now changed his mind on the issue, which is his biggest back-track since becoming leader, when he announced that his party now have their eyes on a bigger surprise that will require broader support.
Hudak announced that he wants to give Ontario, “a fair and balanced system,” by offering to “fix” the quasi-judicial system currently in place and by empowering the tribunal to weed out “frivolous” complaints and end the backlog of cases.
Ford Receives Complaint About his Campaign Overspending
May 9, 2011
Rob Ford’s mayoral campaign spent $70,000 more than the $1.305-million expense limit established by municipal election rules.
According to the 17 page report with allegations against him, some expenses were not recorded properly and were not included as part of the campaign.
A request for an audit has been made, but Ford’s office had no comment on the matter.
Ontario Premier Comments on bin Laden Death
May 4, 2011
“Ontario families today awoke to news that Osama bin Laden has been killed.
This brings an end to a terrible chapter in the lives of all of us who so vividly remember September 11, 2001.
Nearly 3,000 people died that day, including 24 Canadians. On days like today, those innocent victims must be remembered.
In the weeks after the terrorist attacks, I went to the World Trade Center site.
I witnessed first hand the enormity of the devastation. That visit left me with the terrible memory of the victims’ families, many of whom had posted hand-made signs around New York City in search of loved ones.
What I remember most is how the entire city, in fact the entire country, bonded together first in grief, and then in the recovery effort.
Ontarians contributed to that effort. Many of our emergency personnel and volunteers travelled to New York City to help with the recovery. We continue to stand with our allies in the fight against terrorism, with many of our sons and daughters still fighting in Afghanistan. Today we must also remember those soldiers who died in that service and keep their families in our thoughts and prayers.”
from the office of the Premier
Ontario’s Youngest Ever MP
May 4, 2011
At 19 years and 11 months, NDP Pierre-Luc Dusseault is the youngest Member of Parliament (MP) to ever sit in the House of Commons.
Having just finished his first year at Universite de Sherbrooke, studying political science, Desseault lined up a summer job working at a golf course, but instead will head to Ottawa for 4 years, earning an annual salary of $157,000.
Says one blogger, “But…is 19 too young to be an MP? I guess there’s 19 and then there’s 19, and this kid certainly doesn’t look like one who wandered drunk out of frat party and straight into federal government. He seems pretty serious.”
Ontario Sues Sony
May 4, 2011
Ontario has proposed to file a class action law suit against Sony Corp. on behalf of about one million Canadian PlayStation and Qriocity users.
Sony confirmed on Monday that hackers had accessed personal information of more than 100 million users. Toronto law firm McPhadden Samac Tuovi proposes the class action suit against Sony Japan, Sony USA, Sony Canada, and other Sony entities for the breach of privacy. The lawsuit claims damages in excess of $1 billion.
Sony has 20 days to file a statement of defence in Canada, and 40 in the US and 60 days outside of North America.
Historic Election for Conservatives, NDPs
May 3, 2011
The Conservatives have finally received their majority government, opposed only by the NDP party who managed to capture a historic Opposition role, doubling their seats in the House of Commons since last term. Even a coalition government between the remaining parties does not outweigh the Conservative majority.
The Liberals suffered a crushing defeat, the first of it’s kind, being shut out of many past-Liberal ridings. Ignatieff was beaten out of a seat in his own riding, Etobicoke-Lakeshore. The Liberals won a devastating 34 seats, down from the 77 seats they held in previous parliament.
The Conservatives won 167 seats, the NDP trailing behind with 102 seats; Bloc with 6 and Green with 1.
Layton said in his celebration speech, “Spring is here my friends, and a new chapter begins.”
Said Prime Minister Harper in his celebration speech, “Mr. Layton should feel proud and I look forward to working with him in Ottawa.”
Ontarians Hit the Polls – It’s General Election Day!
May 2, 2011
Canadian voters began voting at polls this morning, which will remain open for 12-hours per time zone. Canadians who are registered to vote must present their voter information card before gaining access to the polls. Unregistered voters must provide proof of identity and address, or have another voter swear under oath and vouch for them.
Party leaders have voted – Conservative Harper in his Calgary riding, Liberal Ignatieff in his west-end Toronto riding, and NDP Jack Layton in his east-Toronto riding. Bloc leader Gilles Duceppe’s plans to vote were not announced, and Green leader Elizabeth May voted in British Columbia.
More than 2 million Canadians voted in the advanced polls, a 34 per cent increase from the 2008 federal election.
If you are unsure for whom to vote, check out your political stance here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadavotes2011/votecompass/.
Bin Laden Dead: Show Me the Body?
May 2, 2011
The world welcomes the reported death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, most famous for coordinating the terrorist plane attacks of 9/11. The US attacked a town north of Islamabad, Pakistan late last night, pinpointing bin Laden in the town of Abbottabad. A team flew to the compound and engaged bin Laden in a fatal firefight, taking him out with a bullet to the head.
Sources say President Obama received a tip last August about bin Laden’s whereabouts that he was deep inside Pakistan. Town officials say they are surprised that bin Laden resided in the small town without officials knowing. Afghani President Hamid Karzai says bin Laden’s death proves that US officials should have been looking outside Afghanistan’s border.
The US has claimed the body and has buried it at sea, respecting the Islamic tradition of a speedy burial. The death raises questions of how al-Qaeda will retaliate, and what other attacks will face the Western world from like-minded groups. Palestinian Islamist group Hamas are condeming the US for killing bin Laden in the same violent fashion for which they condemned him.
Ontario Place Offers Free Admission this Summer
Apr. 28, 2011
Visitors to Ontario Place, after it opens in May, won’t have to pay a penny.
Attendance levels have declined in recent years and management decided not only to revamp a few of the attractions, but to offer free admission all summer. The ground will stay open later in the night, and until November 13 – two months longer than past years.
“If you get there and your kid throws up half an hour later, you don’t have to be like ‘Oh my God, we spent all this money and now we have to go,’” one visitor said.
Ontarians Protest ‘Mega Quarry’
Apr. 28, 2011
Plans for a new quarry that would be the second largest in the country and run deeper underwater than Niagara Falls are strongly opposed by activists who say the construction will have a negative impact on the Melancthon Township’s farming, water and quality of life.
The proposed quarry comes from the Highland Companies who state that the quarry will use 600 million litres of groundwater every day, which worries the local residents. However, the informational video on the Highland website states that the “volume of water coming in is the volume of water coming out.” The residents also worry about drinking recirculated quarry water.
Many of the activists feel the investors are putting their shareholders before the local community.
Ontarians Alarmed at Hospitals’ Secrecy Loophole
Apr. 28, 2011
Patients and their loved ones will have a hard time accessing medical records after a buried section of a new bill will permit hospitals to withhold some medical information, namely quality of patient care issues.
Health Minister Deb Matthews maintains that patient care in hospitals has to occur in “an environment of confidentiality.” But the government did not grant the Ontario Hospital Association nor the Ontario Medical Association full exclusions of such documents and any refusals may be appealed to Ontario’s information and privacy commissioner, Ann Cavoukian. She will determine if the information is in the public interest.
Ontario Clamps Down on Contraband Cigarettes
Apr. 28, 2011
A new Ontario bill will give law enforcement authorities “new tools” to stop illegal, tax-free tobacco sales, ultimately keeping it away from youth who smoke 43 per cent of tobacco contraband. Police will be able to seize suspect merchandise without having to check with the government first.
Contraband cigarettes are often sold from the backs of vans in plastic bags, for a fraction of the price they cost in stores, and almost always tax-free. Legal companies complain this eats into their sales and lures more and more young smokers every year.
An October report called for 65 new measures to reduce tobacco consumption, including raising taxes, adjust vendor licensing, and outlawing smoking on patios and restaurants. Ontario is also looking at productions that cease tobacco cravings, such as Zyban and Champix, but these would cost taxpayers an estimated $20 million annually.
Ontario is eager to cut smoking rates as it costs the province $1.6 billion a year as the leading preventable cause of death.
Ontario Owed $700 Million from Ottawa Miscalculations
Apr. 27, 2011
A number-crunching error in Ottawa will deprive Ontario of $700 million in equalization payments, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan said.
Miscalculations:
2011-2012 = $200 million
2012-2013 = $200 million
2013-2014 = $300 million
Finance Minister Duncan said the equalization process has become “bastardized.” Equalization payments are a transfer of funds from richer to poorer provinces to balance out local public services.
The federal government blames Statistics Canada for readjusting the numbers, but Ontario has complained for years that they’re not getting their fair share of paybacks. Ontario pays about $6 billion in transfer payments, getting back only $2 billion from the national pot.
Ontario became a “have-not” province in 2009, battered by the recession and now struggling to cut its deficit.
This error has affected 6 provinces: Ontario, P.E.I, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
Toronto Garbage Pick Up Privatization One Step Closer
Apr. 27, 2011
Toronto’s Public Works and Infrastructure Committee has voted in favour of privatizing Toronto’s garbage collection in the west half of the city. Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has identified this privatization as a key priority.
“It’s going to reduce the cost and size of the government and that’s what this mayor was elected for,” said chair of the public works committee. “It’s going to save us, over the length of the term of the contract, over $60 million,” he said.
A staff report released earlier this month estimates annual savings of $8 million. It comes with eliminating 300 temporary unionized workers and associated capital costs.
Garbage collectors on the west side are not happy with this decision, one claiming he feels as though he is simply trash being thrown away.
The affected area contains about 165,000 homes. Etobicoke is unaffected, having already struck a deal with a private company in 1999.
Ontario Court Computers Hacked
Apr. 27, 2011
A group called “Turkish defacers” managed to hack into the Ontario courts website for a few hours, redirecting site visitors to an image of a man pointing a gun, with the word “HACKED.”
The site was down the for remainder of the day, coming back online late last night. Site administrators are taking diagnostics to determine how the hacking occurred and to prevent future attacks on the site.
Man Pulls for Solar Powered Car Legalization
Apr. 21, 2011
A Toronto man who has traveled North America in a solar powered car, is now pulling the vehicle to the Ontario Legislature, because the province says that it is illegal to drive.
Marcelo da Luz is almost finished his 160-kilometre Power of One walk from Niagara Falls to Toronto, where at the end he will stop the car in front of Dalton McGuinty’s offices, in hope that they will become street legal.
The province has made it virtually impossible for the 42 year old to drive it anywhere in the province, so he attatched a harness and has already covered 36,200 kms.
Fourteen Year Old Arrested After Brampton School Stabbing
Apr. 21, 2011
A 14-year-old has been arrested for a stabbing on Wednesday morning in Brampton. The student who was stabbed in a hallway at Judith Nyman Secondary School has now been released from hospital.
The attacker is being charged with assault with a weapon, aggravated assault and breach of recognizance, as police continue to figure out how the altercation started.
Ontario Energy Minister Gets Office Taken Over by Greenpeace Protesters
Apr. 19, 2011
The offices of Energy Minister Brad Duguid are being occupied by a number of Greenpeace protesters at Queen’s Park. Four of its members are doing it because the Ontario government is planning to build nuclear reactors without considering green options.
Renewable energy options were ruled out against nuclear at a recent hearing Darlington generating station, says spokesman, Keith Stewart. Police officers have been watching the protesters since just after 9 this morning, as they peacefully sit in the reception area.
Officials are willing to talk with them, as long as they continue to stay peaceful.
Ontario Bureaucracy Denies Autistic Track Star
Apr. 19, 2011
An Ontario high school track star has been told that he cannot compete in any competitions. The Ontario Federation for School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) told Andrew Towle, 19, that because he has spent too long in high school (over 5 years), his time has expired to compete in track competitions. Towle is autistic and has not yet completed Grade 9.
Most provinces have similar rules, matching a student’s eligibility to the average number of years in high school, which gives more students a chance to participate. Towle, his teachers, family and friends are shocked – they have watched him come a long way. He’d been competing for three years, becoming one of five best long distance runners in Ottawa, when his grades started to improve. Towle enrolled in non-credit classes to begin building his average.
Critics feel OFSAA and some students might be better off evaluating eligibility on a case-by-case basis. OFSAA said there are no exceptions.
Ontario Court Rules Jail Beds for Displaced Mentally Ill Patients
Apr. 18, 2011
A bed shortage at mental hospitals now means that Ontario patients can be held in holding cells with spare beds.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) have been scrambling since last fall to accommodate unfit offenders, and the recent ruling to allow the mental patients to stay in a jail cell for a few days while CAMH frees up beds is the decision they’d been waiting for.
Update: Ontario Pot Ruling Gives Green Light for Everyone
Apr. 18, 2011
An Ontario court has struck down the current medicinal marijuana programs, arguing that it’s too difficult to obtain the necessary licence to use cannabis legally. The court ruled Ontario’s law against possessing and growing marijuana as unconstitutional.
The ruling will come into effect in three months. In the mean time, Conservatives say they will carry out their plans to overhaul the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations.
University of Western Ontario Achieves Playboy Fame
Apr. 15, 2011
Playboy magazine has crowned UWO as one of the best party schools in North America, ranking fourth behind U of Boulder, Colorado, Penn State and Arizona University.
Western was known to be a party school mostly in the 80s and 90s but has since worked hard to raise their academic profile. Administrators say they are surprised they made the Playboy list.
Police Make Largest Meth Bust in Ontario History
Apr. 15, 2011
With the help of RCMP and the Canadian Border Services Agency, 175 officers seized the largest amount of methamphetamine (crystal meth) in Ontario’s history.
After an 18-month investigation, officers arrested 21 people from across the province, including a Hamilton officer who allegedly leaked the main target of the investigation.
Police say the investigation is on-going and expect more arrests in the near future.
Anti-Israeli Group Quits Pride Parade, Challenges Toronto Mayor
Apr. 15, 2011
The activist group, Queers Againt Israeli Apartheid have announced they will not participate in this year’s Pride Parade after Mayor Ford said the city would not provide funding for “hate speech.” He also said the city should remove funding for such festivals to save the city money.
QuAIA will hold separate events during the week, and have denied Ford the “convenient pretext” of removing funding from the parade. They wonder now how he will justify potentially pulling the funding from the parade.
Canada Affected By Japan Radiation
Apr. 13, 2011
An increase in radiation levels was detected by Health Canada showing that fallout from the disaster at Japan’s nuclear power plant has reached North America, even though the increase was, “minuscule”.
They say the radioactivity that has had such an effect on the environment in Japan, is too small to pose a health risk to Canadians.
Canadians have nothing to worry about. Reportedly, a five-hour airplane flight from Montreal to Vancouver exposes an individual to 50,000 times more radiation than the level detected in Canada from what happened in Japan.
Ontario Court Says No to Canada’s Pot Laws
Apr. 13, 2011
Canada’s laws against possessing and growing cannabis, were shot down by an Ontario court saying, the country’s medicinal marijuana program is failing to provide access to the drug for those who need it.
The federal government has three months to launch an appeal or change its regulations to fix the problems identified by the court, before it becomes legal. The Marihuana Medical Access Regulations was shot down by the Ontario Supreme Court, who is saying that they aren’t doing enough to ensure patients can obtain the necessary approvals to use the drug.
What this means is that the government has to improve its system for licensing medicinal marijuana patients in 90 days. If they fail to do so it will be legal to use or grow the drug for any purpose.
Seven People Injured in Police Chase Near Montreal
Apr. 13, 2011
After a car chase Tuesday on a busy Montreal highway, involving three police forces, tire spikes and gunfire, 7 people are injured.
The chase began when Montreal Police tried to stop a car with three people. While one was arrested, the other too drove off in the vehicle towards the city around 6:30 a.m.
After police put down spikes, the two put the car in reverse and tried to run down the surrounding police. This is when gunfire broke out, which wasn’t enough. They were only stopped once they eventually hit another car.
One of the two were brought to hospital with a head injury, as well as 2 people from the car they hit, and 4 police offers. None of the injuries are life threatening.
Man in Ontario Tried to Take Gun on Plane
Apr. 13, 2011
A man who attempted to take a gun onto a plane at Ottawa International Airport that was heading to Alberta, is facing charges, say police.
During their security process on Monday, a .22 caliber was intercepted by Ottawa Police and members of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.
John Robert Laponsee is being charged with careless transportation of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of restricted firearm with ammunition.
Nurse Practitioners Given More Power by Ontario
Apr. 11, 2011
Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Ontario Government, announced that nurse practitioners can start discharging patients this July, and will be able to admit patients to hospitals starting in July 2012.
The Registered Nurses’ Association says this will ease congestion and make it so people don’t need to spend more time in hospital than they need.
Ontario is the first province to give nurse practitioners the additional authority, which the government says will help patients get home to their families sooner.
Adoption Agency Directors Charged With Defrauding $420,000
Apr. 11, 2011
The founder and general manager of the Cambridge, Ont. based adoption agency, Imagine Adoption, are being accused of defrauding the company of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The agency, which matches up Canadians with orphans from Ghana and Ethiopia, declared bankruptcy in July 2009, leaving hundreds of families with adoption problems.
Founder, Susan Hayhow, and general manager, Rick Hayhow, are charged with breach of trust and many counts of fraud, totaling more than $420,000.
While the families have moved on to using different adoption options. It raises the questions of how could the company have operated for so long with its financial irregularities unnoticed. The company has since restructured and is technically operational, although its adoptions are being run by Mission of Tears in Toronto.
Ontario Cancer Faker Dodges Prison
Apr. 11, 2011
Ashley Kirilow, who posed as a cancer victim in order to pocket the donations, will not go to jail. She got a 15 month conditional sentence, with 10 of those to be served under house arrest.
The 23 year old is currently receiving psychiatric treatment at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, Ont, was also ordered by the judge to take counseling and medication for anxiety and depression.
In addition to her sentence she was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service which is not to be with any sort of charity.
No Friending or Following for Ontario Teachers
Apr. 11, 2011
Ontario teachers are being told not to ‘follow’ or ‘friend’ their students on Facebook or Twitter, by the Ontario College of Teachers.
The board told its 230,000 members to keep professional boundaries and not to accept or initiate any types of friend requests. Included in this is avoiding exchanging phone numbers, and personal emails and photos.
If teachers do wish to use social media in the classroom they must tell guardians before hand.
Ontario Teachers Don’t Support Their Unions’ Plan to Campaign Against Hudak
Apr. 7, 2011
Tim Hudak, Progressive Conservative Leader, says that the Ontario English Catholic Teachers don’t support their union in having to pay $60 more in dues this year to create a $3-million campaign to help keep the Tories from winning the Oct. 6 vote.
Hudak, who comes from a family of teachers and supports classroom education, says many teachers emailing and calling the opposition party to say they don’t support their union’s decision to campaign against him.
Their union is one of the main sponsors of the Working Families Coalition, which is a front for the Liberal party, according to Hudak.
Cars Now Wait 7 Years for Drive Clean Emission Tests
Apr. 7, 2011
Ontario drivers now can wait 7 years, from the previous 5 years policy, for the provinces mandatory Drive Clean program. Once a car now gets past 7 years old, it will have to take the test every 2 years.
Because the technology has both improved in the cars and tests, starting emissions tests at 7 years are just as effective as they used to be at 6 years, says the government. The program which started in 1999 reduced smog-causing emissions by an estimated 266,000 tonnes in just its first 10 years.
The announcement from the Liberal Government about the updated Drive Clean program is expected in the next couple weeks.
Paramedics Want Defibrillators in Public Places
Apr. 7, 2011
After two heart attacks in hockey arenas on Tuesday night, Ottawa paramedics are saying that automatic external defibrillators should be in all public places, because of the heart attacks lead to a death.
In the first case a 52 year old man was playing hockey at the Tom Brown Arena when he had a heart attack. In the other case a man 14 years younger, 38, was playing floor hockey at a school gym when he had a heart attack. Both men had CPR performed on them. The difference was the arena had a defibrillator, and the school gym did not.
The 52 year old is recovering in hospital, while the 38 year old wasn’t as fortunate. Defibrillators are very easy to use and are now available at all City of Ottawa recreational facilities.
New Farming Policy Biggest Change in 30 Years
Apr. 5, 2011
When the province’s farms thrive, Ontarians can taste it on their dinner tables. The new risk management program provides support to farmers when their prices are fluctuating from unpredictable factors such as weather or global market changes. Initially, the program will be for cattle, hog and sheep farmers, and will extend to grain and oilseed farmers.
A self-directed risk management program will also be separately set up.
Ontario’s agri-food sector contributes more than $33 billion annually to the economy and is one of the provinces leading industries.
Liberals Demand Energy Fairness for Ontario
Apr. 5, 2011
Premier McGuinty is criticizing the federal government for treating Ontario unfairly by not subsidizing the province’s massive electricity rebuilding program.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff recently offered support for a $4.2-billion loan guarantee to Newfoundland and Labrador’s hydro project, which caused McGuinty and Quebec Premier Jean Chrest to criticize the lack of support for Ontario.
“Ontarians should understand that 40 per cent of the federal government’s money comes directly from Ontarians,” the Premier said Monday.
Ontario’s Proposed Energy Plan:
- 20-years, $87 billion
- $33 billion for new nuclear reactors
- $9 billion for new transmission lines
- $27 billion for renewable energy
McGuinty declined to give a total tally of funds requested from Ottawa.
100 New Jobs for Ottawa
Apr. 1, 2011
A medical equipment company in Ottawa is reaping the benefits of Ontario’s creation of 100 new jobs and supporting 90 existing jobs.
With support from the province, Best Theratronics Ltd. can upgrade their technologies (high-energy gamma rays to deliver treatment) to better treat their cancer patients with radiation treatments. The company also manufactures blood irradiators to treat donated blood for transmissions.
Ontario Aerospace to Get More Jobs
Apr. 1, 2011
Ontario Premier McGuinty will add 80 new jobs and support 49 existing jobs by helping Mississauga aeropsace company Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) invest in new technology, equipment, and research and development.
Ontario MPP: Ban Junk Food Ads
Apr. 1, 2011
Toronto New Democratic MPP wants to ban all advertising aimed at children under 13 that contains “unhealthy food and drink.”
MPP Roasrio Marchese (Trinity-Spadina) commences his second attempt at banning this type of advertising, adding that as many as one in four kids are obese.
The bill calls for Health Canada and the Ministry of Health to identify “unhealthy foods” that are dense in calories with few nutrients.
Executive director of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario Doris Grinspun says that children can’t be expected to have the knowledge to a) discern good advertising from bad, and b) to know what is good for them regarding nutrition.
Quebec banned such child advertising in 1980.
Young Entrepreneur Gives $1 million to University
Mar. 31, 2011
Former University of Waterloo student, Ted Livingston, 23, has donated $1 million dollars to his alma mater, despite having dropped out to pursue his business full-time.
While at U of Waterloo, Livingston founded a successful software company and created a 3-million user application called Kik Messenger. The app allows users to send instant messages to many smartphones – similar to BlackBerry’s Messenger but not restricted to BlackBerrys – is free and takes less time than a text message.
Livingston was a part of U of Waterloo’s program VeloCity, a program designed to help students start their own businesses, when he left to pursue his business, Kik Interactive, full time.
The university will match Livingston’s donation by putting another $1 million into VeloCity. A past professor of Livingston’s estimates his donation is probably a large chunk of his net worth.
Ontario Bans TTC Strikes
Mar. 31, 2011
Legislation has passed banning TTC workers from striking, but head of the TTC union warns that city hall better not “bully” the workers into contract talks.
The Legislature passed the bill on Wednesday to make TTC an essential service, by a vote of 68-9. The TTC and the province are still negotiating terms.
Toronto Mayor and Ontario Premier Reveal T.O Transit Plan
Mar. 31, 2011
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty have unveiled an $8.2 billion plan to put an Eglinton light rail line underground. The rail will extend from the west end of the city to the east, covering up to 26 transit stops.
The previous Toronto Mayor David Miller had planned on Transit City, which would have put more transit on the roads. Mayor Ford and Premier McGuinty has scrapped this plan, saying that more transit on the roads would cause too much congestion.
The line is expected to be completed for 2020.
Liberal Budget Void of Big Spending
Mar. 29, 2011
Liberal Finance Minister Dwight Duncan will reveal their budget at Queen’s Park this afternoon, but sources have confirmed a few key points:
- lower deficits (about $3 billion lower than last year’s budget)
- $1.5 billion in savings over next three years
- $309 million a year for 60,000 post-secondary schools by 2015-16, with 15,000 new schools next fall
- farmer’s insurance to help offset losses from low-commodity prices via risk management programs. Estimated to cost $150 million, this could fluctuate depending on demand.
- “strategic investments” into jobs and healthcare
- children’s mental health
Opposition Leader Timothy Hudak says the Liberals have it “in their DNA” to raise taxes, and if an increase isn’t announced today, to expect one post-elections. Duncan said the Liberal’s “take an entirely different approach from Mr. Hudak,” claiming the opposition would close hospitals to save money.
The budget will be announced at 4pm at Queen’s Park.
Liberals Promise $1000 a Year to Students
Mar. 29, 2011
If elected, Liberals will award high school students who plan on going to college or university $1000, tax-free for 4 years. Called the Canadian Learning Passport, the money never has to be repaid and goes to students from low-income families.
The money will be provided through a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) where the government will match the parents contribution. RESPs are an existing tax-sheltered savings program created by the federal government.
Canada to Hold General Election, May 2
Mar. 28, 2011
The Harper government was defeated on Mar. 26 following a no-confidence vote of 156-145, supported by the opposition. Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited with Governor General David Johnston on Friday to dissolve Parliament and set an election date.
This will be Canada’s 41st general election and the fourth election in about seven years.
Conservative Party in Contempt of Parliament?
Mar. 28, 2011
Members of the Conservative party were grilled last week about not sharing information about spending estimates for its crime and justice legislation and policies.
International Cooperation Minister Bev Oda felt the heat as the opposition MPs questioned her about inserting the word “not” in a memorandum. Oda claimes it’s common practice. The committee has to determine whether the misrepresentation was intentional, since the memo concerned funding for an international organization which she had decided to cut.
The committee is still studying the allegations and will announce their decision this week.
Train Derailed near Cobourg, Residents Evacuate
Mar. 28, 2011
A derailed CN train has caused a fuel spill near Cobourg, Ontario, late Sunday afternoon. The fuel leaked away from Lake Ontario and forced more than a dozen homes to evacuate from the Hamilton Township separating Cobourg and Port Hope.
Just after noon, about 25 cars carrying jet fuel came off the track. Small fires were contained by firefighters, but residents forced to leave their homes should prepare to be out for a few more days.
VIA Rail has temporarily shut down service on the Toronto-Ottawa and Toronto-Montreal lines until the track has been cleared.
Ontario Introduces New Environmental Excellency Award
Mar. 24, 2011
The new Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence recognizes “outstanding achievement, leadership and innovation in environmental protection,” says the Ministry of Environment’s dedicated page.
Ontario Environment Minister John Wilkinson said this award will showcase the commitment and innovation to make Ontario an international environmental leader. The award this year will focus on environmental achievement in two areas: toxics reduction, and waste protection and conservation.
The Minister will be accepting nominations until May 6, 2011. To nominate a deserving candidate, click here to get the application guide and the application form.
Tabled Federal Budget Rejected By Opposition Parties
Mar. 23, 2011
While the Federal Budget, tabled yesterday, addresses the oil and gas industries in the West, there is no mention of the clean, green energy industry in Ontario. Finance Minister Dwight Duncan covered five topics (job creation, employment insurance, labour market agreements, immigration support and Old Age Security increases) that Ontarians were hoping to see, while his federal counterpart Jim Flaherty offered no mention of them. Finance Minister Duncan feels Ontario was “short-changed.”
Mayor of Toronto Rob Ford and city councillors look forward to more details on long-term infrastructure funding and how it will help residents of Toronto.
Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois agreed to support Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff’s decision to motion non-confidence vote on Friday, which will force Prime Minister Stephen Harper to call an election (even though one is already scheduled).
Elections are currently scheduled for Oct. 6, 2011, however a spring election seems inevitable.
Ontario Celebrates Spring with More Snow
Mar. 23, 2011
Not that any real Ontarian is surprised, but Toronto woke up today to a snow-covered city. Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Brantford and much of Southern Ontario, saying the snow will be heavy at times during the day.
Spring came officially last weekend, on Sun. Mar. 20, 2011.
Ontario to Extend Breast Cancer Treatments
Mar. 22, 2011
Ontario’s Ministry of Health has announced they will join other provinces in expanded access to breast cancer treatments, regardless of the rarity of the condition or size of the tumour.
This decision was brought about by one woman’s recent controversial case, where she was denied the treatment Herceptin because her tumour was too small. Treatment was only for people whose tumours are 1 cm, where the case in question’s tumour was only 0.5 cm. Many patients fall into this grey zone where they are not fit for treatment but require it to prevent recurrence.
The new program, since it is so new, is called an evidence-building program, and doctors haven’t yet speculated on what cancer drugs or how many would be involved.
Ontario Nuclear Hearings Delayed By Greenpeace
Mar. 22,2011
The day after the request to suspend the public review of Ontario purchasing four nuclear reactors was denied, Greenpeace protesters prevented the joint panel review hearings from commencing. Armed with taped mouths, signs and chains with which to tether themselves to tables, nine members of Greenpeace refused to leave even after the panel walked out. In the wake of the nuclear plant explosions in Japan, Greenpeace attempted to convince Ontarians that nuclear is the wrong way to go.
The panel agreed to adjourn the hearings until a time where they could proceed in an orderly and fair manner. No rescheduled date has yet been released.
Toronto-Tibetans Cast Votes for New PM
Mar. 21, 2011
More than 1,00 Tibetan-Torontonians voted for a new exile government just weeks after the Dalai Lama has announced he is stepping down as political leader. The Dalai Lama says he will continue to be the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, but despite Tibetan please that he keep his role, wants a new political leader to take up Tibet’s cause.
Vice president of Toronto’s Tibetan Cultural Centre says Toronto has about 5,000 Tibetans – the largest population outside of India and Nepal.
The election results will likely be announced at the end of April.
Harmonized Sales Tax has Minimal Impact on Ontarians: Study
Mar. 21, 2011
Although the HST caused quite a stir once it commenced, a study commissioned by the Ministry of Finance revealed that Ontario families have not been hit as hard as they expected. In fact, the study shows that businesses who are saving money are passing it on by reducing their prices.
At the start of HST, consumer prices saw a rise of 0.9 per cent, which has since decreased to 0.6 per cent. The study, released by the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, also showed that the effects of HST will continue to improve.
Pickering Power Plant Leak Has “No Impact”: Officials
Mar. 17, 2011
A water leak at Pickering nuclear power plant will pose no threats to public health, officials said.
The safety commission said 73,000 litres of water escaped from the generation station and was pumped into Lake Ontario on Monday night. Caused by a failed pump seal, the leak was about the size of a swimming pool.
Ontario Nuclear Plants Safe After Earthquake
Mar. 17, 2011
The nuclear industry has deemed Ontario power plants safe after the small earthquake yesterday, they said during a Toronto Board of Trade meeting yesterday.
“All Canadian nuclear plants have been designed to withstand earthquakes, both the structures and safety systems are designed and built to seismic standards even though they are located in areas where major earthquakes and tsunami are not expected,” said the president of the Canadian Nuclear Association.
Head of Bruce Power plant in Port Elgin, Ontario, said that people need to look to experts for qualified information, and to not be motivated by fear. “As a matter of general philosophy, fear is not a great basis for decision-making,” he said.
Small Quake Rattles Ontario
Mar. 16, 2011
An earthquake with a 4.3-magnitude hit eastern Ontario this afternoon, just five kilometers southeast of Hawkesbury, ON.
Natural Resources Canada seismologist said that it’s too early to determine if and how many aftershocks will be felt, but anticipates them to be “much smaller and not a lot of them.” Montreal and Ottawa felt only slight tremors during the quake.
Ontario last had an earthquake in June 2010 that was felt from Sudbury to Quebec and as far south as New York City. This one was one-tenth smaller.
Three Ontario Ministries Under Investigation
Mar. 16, 2011
Ministries of Transportation, Economic Development and Trade, and Community and Social Services are under investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for irregular transactions between government and outside vendors.
Earlier this month, the OPP raided offices in the MacDonald Block, a government complex that houses several ministries. Several staff at Ontario Realty Corp. are also under investigation.
Ontarians Not Enthused for Nuclear Reactors
Mar. 16, 2011
Once at top priority for Ontarians, the sale of two nuclear reactors to Ontario looks as though it will the longer than expected after Japan’s meltdown of three nuclear reactors has derailed confidence in nuclear reactors.
Premier McGuinty wants Ontarians to acknowledge the importance of nuclear energy to Canada’s economy, not to mention the 55,000 jobs under the nuclear energy umbrella. The Canadian industry boasts a 50-year operation without a significant mishap.
Liberals: Buy reactors, necessary for our economy.
Conservatives: “Cut-corners” and skip sale of reactors.
NDP: Against all things nuclear.
Ontario Schools Might Push Back Holiday Break
Mar. 16, 2011
School boards across Ontario are looking to tweak their schedules to have students continue school until Dec. 23. The Ministry of Education must approve the delay of holidays by a week before they will officially commence.
School boards and trustee’s have said they have received positive feedback from parents. The deadline for Ontario’s 72 schools to submit their school year calendars is March. The decision will be final by spring, 2011.
Ontario Students Safe After Quake Shakes Japan
Mar. 11, 2011
A group of Brighton, ON high school students are safe after the massive earthquake that rocked Japan.
The students, who had planned to stay in Tokyo for three days, were on a tour bus when the quake hit. The mother of one of the students says the tour company arranged for the students to return to their hotel, collect their belongings, and has arranged a flight back to Canada.
BREAKING NEWS: DISASTER IN JAPAN
Mar. 11, 2011
At 2:46am ET, Japan suffered a massive earthquake, charted at 8.9 on the Richter scale, followed by at least 19 after shocks. The earthquake triggered a tsunami that has swallowed homes, boats, and forced thousands of people to find higher ground. There are hundreds of casualties.
Tsunami warnings and watches were issued for major stretches along the Pacific, including west coasts of South America, the US and Canada.
Ontario.com would like to extend our prayers to the victims’ families across the Pacific. To make a contribution to Japan and all affected countries, please visit the Canadian Red Cross website.
Air Canada Cancels Flights to Tokyo
Mar. 11, 2011, Toronto
After a deadly earthquake and tsunami swept through Japan, Air Canada has announced its cancelled all flights to Tokyo. Flights from Toronto and Vancouver are cancelled for today, with no current plan on the upcoming cancellations in the following days.
Air Canada reports no injuries to any staff currently in Japan.
Ontario Highway 407 to Extend: Liberals
Mar. 10, 2011
Liberals are reviving the cancelled plans for expansion of Hwy. 407 toward Peterborough at Hwy. 35/115 and Ganaraska Rd./R.R. 9.
It is not clear how the Liberal government, who face a budget shortfall of $18.7 billion, will fund the project.
‘Welfare Diet’ No Longer Enough
Mar. 10, 2011
Anti-poverty activists are calling in Finance Minister Dwight Duncan to add a $100 monthly food supplement for all welfare recipients to this spring’s provincial budget. Currently, welfare recipients get a mere extra $29 for food.
However, with a provincial deficit of $18.7 and a promise of no new taxes, it will be difficult to give welfare recipients an additional $1,200 a year.
Ontario Finance Minister Urges ‘War on Debt’
Mar. 9, 2011
Former finance minister for the Liberals John Manley has sent an open letter to current finance minister Dwight Duncan, urging Duncan to propose war on provincial debt, “before it’s too late.”
Manley, who was federal treasurer from 2002-2003, noted that Ontario’s debt will soon be $237 billion. Interest alone will cost taxpayers $9.7 billion, “more than you government’s total spending on post-secondary education and training,” Manley said.
Finance minister Duncan said they have a robust plan to balance their books by 2017-18 but will not employ the “slash and burn” policies of former leader Mike Harris.
Toronto Pride Parade Won’t Promote Hate
Mar. 9, 2011
The $100,000 Pride Parade budget will not be forthcoming if an Anti-Israeli group is allowed to participate, Mayor Rob Ford said.
Pride Week runs from June 24-July 4, almost 4 months away, but Mayor Ford has already made it clear to the anti-Israeli group, Queers Against Israeli Apartheid (QuAIA) that they are not welcome to march in the parade.
“Taxpayer dollars should not go toward funding hate speech, ” Mayor Ford said. A board of directors for Pride Week has formed a dispute resolution committee to handle complaints. “The final outcome will be determined by an independent arbitrator, not by Pride Toronto. Pride will abide by this decision, whatever it may be,” co-chair for Pride said earlier this week.
Health Ministers Tackle Childhood Obesity
Mar. 7, 2011
This Monday, the federal health minister and her provincial counterparts will launch Our Health Our Future: A National Dialogue on Healthy Weights, which they believe will help childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. The initiative includes a website and a national summit, and later a report with the gathered information from the dialogues.
According to Stats Canada, about 9per cent of Canadian children are obese and 17 per cent are overweight. In a survey released last week, StatsCan found that between 2007 and 2009, 24.1 per cent of Canadian adults were obese.
New Ontario Legislation for Safer Work Places
Mar. 7, 2011
It unfortunately took the deaths of 4 migrant workers to provoke Ontario to introduce new legislation that will tighten security in the work place. The new legislation will create a chief prevention officer position, who will report directly to the minister of labour. The new legislation will also protect vulnerable workers from unscrupulous employers.
Ontario Federation of Labour president Syd Ryan says there are about 80 deaths a year due to unsafe work places.
March Break Week at Ontario’s Largest Ski Resort
Mar. 7, 2011
With Ontario’s March Break on the horizon, Blue Mountain in Collingwood is gearing up for the annual gathering of students, kids and families to populate their slopes. Kids Camps are set to entertain children but this is just one of many activities. For other guests, it will be a 3-night affair including a discounted package available for March 13-17. This package includes accommodations, full-day lift tickets and breakfast. It starts at $256 a night (based on adult double occupancy) and gets cheaper for kids under 17 (their lift tickets are just $39).
There is a plethora of free events, including a ski and snowboarding contest for gear sponsorship, and the Spring Rocks Concert Series with Bedouin Soundclash, Stereos and Ill Scarlett.
Horseshoe
This resort north of Barrie has daily ski-school offerings during March Break with packages ranging from $30-$460. Special events include contests and competitions, and a moonlight cross-country ski through Copeland Forest.
Dagmar
Kids can go to week-long ski/snowboard camp for $265, including lessons. Dagmar is also offering adults a break in prices for lessons – they can get a week of skiing for $154.87, which is less than the price of 7 lift tickets.
For more information or for other Eastern locations, click here.
Ontario Funds Electric Cars
Mar. 4, 2011, Toronto
The Greater Toronto Area, with its frequent start-and-stop traffic, is deemed to be the perfect place to rev up the program provincially. Better Place, a company providing electric vehicle services, opened an education and demonstration center with the help of $1 million in Ontario funding. There are three charge spots in Toronto, as well as in Barrie, Markham, Vaughan, Ajax and Bowmanville. The province offers a rebate of $5,000-$8,000 to purchase plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles. In addition, electric cars will come with green licence plates that allow them to drive in the carpool lanes even if there is only one person in the car.
Ontario Coyote Hunting Contest
Mar. 4, 2011
It’s no secret that Southern Ontario has recently seen an influx of coyotes, often as close as in their backyards. A Progressive Conservative MPP suggested a province-wide coyote hunt, but Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffreys said mass hunts will not work. The province does not want to encourage the trophy hunting of animals, but based on observations, the coyote population has tripled since 2004, dogs have been mauled and people fear their children will be hurt. All parties agree something must be done, but worry that even if all the coyotes are killed off, their offspring will simply recolonize the area.
“I don’t want to kill them all, ” said PC MPP BIll Murdoch (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, where the coyote population is the highest). “Let’s just get them back to a balance.”
Police Express Concerns Over Proposed Laxed Liquor Laws
Mar. 3, 2011
Premier McGuinty’s proposed changes to Ontario liquor laws include freedom from beer tents at events and extending the liquor curfew from 1am to 2am at some events, which is causing some concern for Ontario police who say logistics will be a nightmare.
Ontario Liberals say they’re ready to listen to their concerns. Opposition Leader Timothy Hudak says it’s odd that the Liberals left out the chiefs of police when making their proposal.
Ontario Offers Full-Day Kindergarten for 900 More Schools
Mar. 3, 2011
Starting in 2012, 900 more school will open their doors to full-day kindergarten, totaling about 1500 Ontario schools with full-day daycare. Roughly 120,000 young students will be enrolled in these school by 2012. Premier Dalton McGuinty announced the additional schools in an election campaign-type speech. The election is on Oct. 6.
“We are very proud of the program we have put in place,” McGuinty said. “We have more teachers, smaller classes we have peace and stability and measurable improvements when it comes to results.”
The Progressive Conservatives don’t believe McGuinty will have every child enrolled in full-day kindergarten by 2014 and say they need to look at what Ontario can afford before expanding the program. The program started with schools that didn’t need renovations or additions and has moved on from there. Another 200 schools will start this fall.
New School for Low-Income Students Sparks Controversy
Mar. 2, 2011, Niagara
A proposed new school for low-income students in the Niagara region is causing an uproar in the community, who say it is unfair to segregate and single out poor children. The proposed school will work to give low-income students the best chances at university. The District School Board of Niagara will build the academy in Welland, and bus children to the school. The DSNB Academy promises mentors, tutors, with a better chance at university than they’ve ever had. This experiment is being touted as the most controversial in education history – even more controversial than the Afrocentric school opened in 2007. With 2 more weeks before the enrollment applications are due, trustees for the school board say they aren’t sure whether people will stay away due to all the negative publicity.
In a recent Globe and Mail interview, DSBN trustee Cheryl Scott said they acknowledged the uncomfortable truth of segregating and stigmatizing the new school’s students.
“Sometimes kids need a little extra support that we can’t provide in the regular system; I see it all the time,” she said. “I’ve said it from the very beginning, this school isn’t for everybody, but sometimes there’s that one kid who just needs that little extra, and that’s who this is for.”
TMX-LSE Merger Hearing Begins
Mar. 2, 2011, Toronto
The proposed merger of TMX Group, which owns and operates the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), and the London Stock Exchange group will be examined by an all-party Ontario legislative committee today. MPPs will look at how the proposed merger will benefit the Canadian and Ontario economies, with a focus on its impact on the Toronto economy and the mining industry. The deal might give Toronto-listed companies access to a much larger investor pool. Some on Bay St. (Toronto’s financial district) worry that the deal could threaten the 200,000 employees there.
Before the merger can proceed, it needs the blessing of both provincial and federal governments.
Ontario Winter Here to Stay
Mar. 1, 2011
Despite the groundhog saying it will be an early Spring, Environment Canada says Spring will be “reluctant to arrive” this year. Ontarians can expect a soggier spring than normal this year. On the bright side, the southern half of the country can look forward to 4 extra minutes of daylight.
Ontario Teen Youngest World Cup Player
Feb. 28, 2011, India
Ontario-born Nitish Kumar, 16 years and 283 days, has become the youngest ever cricket World Cup Player. Team Canada now boasts the youngest and oldest World Cup players and both will be playing in the month-long tournament. Johnson Davis, 40, will open the batting. Kumar was born in Scarborough, Ontario.
Ontario Will Teach Kids to Manage Money
Feb. 28, 2011
Ontario is about to unveil a new multi-million financial program aimed at giving kids a working knowledge of the financial system. Aimed at children from grades 4 through 12, the Ministry of Education’s financial literacy program will be implemented in September 2011. The Ontario Securities Commission will provide training for teachers and video and electronic tools for classrooms.
“Learning how to save and budget – these are basic, basic skills,” Toronto city councillor and former trustee for the Toronto District School Board Josh Matlow said. “It teaches our students a basic skill to be successful in life.”
Ontario Wins Canada Winter Games
Feb. 28, 2011
Ontario has captured the flag as the top-scoring province at this year’s Canada Winter Games with a high score of 312 points. Quebec placed close second with 301 points, and British Columbia in third with 235 points. The Canada Winter Games council was created to support Canadian sports organizations. Winter and Summer games are hosted by different provinces – the 2011 Summer games will take place in Sherbrooke, Que., while the Winter Games will take place in Prince George, B.C..
Eco Groups Ask Parties for Answers
Feb. 28, 2011
Members of various environmental groups are asking members of all political parties to clarify their green initiatives prior to the Oct. 6 elections. Members of societies such as Environmental Defence and Sierra Club say the political leaders are flip-flopping and scrapping green initiatives such as off-shore wind turbines – an idea that all parties seemed to support but have since scrapped due to neighborhood protesting. The creation of ComeClean.ca this Monday will attempt to help Ontarians understand past government promises, current green initiatives and how they might work together or disappear before the elections. Overall, ComeClean.ca asks politicians for clarification and a commitment to their word.
Ontario Steps In to Relieve Immigrant Agencies
Feb. 25, 2011
Ontario has stepped in to provide relief to many immigrant agencies that have lost funding due to federal cuts. Ontario announced a $500,000 injection into the agencies hit the hardest. Immigration Minister Eric Hoskins revealed the deepening disputes between the governments concerning new immigrants.
“We will not accept an unfair agreement that puts newcomers who settle in Ontario at a disadvantage,” he said. “We are fighting to help newcomers settle quickly so they can strengthen our economy… We are asking for fairness.”
LCBO to Raise Funds for Osteoperosis
Feb. 25, 2011
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) is not only known for regulating the alcohol in Ontario, but for it’s dedication to the environment and charitable assistance. Currently, more than 600 stores will carry donation boxes at the counter to help support Osteoporosis Canada. In 2010, the LCBO raised $4.2 million for charities through special programs and initiatives, $3.8 million of which was raised directly from in-store fundraising. Doantion boxes can be found in all LCBO stores until March 31.
Twitter Helps Build OHL Fans
Feb. 25, 2011, Sault Ste. Marie
Brandon Archibald is the latest addition via trade to the Saginaw Spirits, and with him he brings an entertaining and active Twitter account. Encouraged by his agent to tweet pre-trade to increase his fan base, Archibald tweeted regularly about hockey, fans and life. Since then, his teammates have adopted the social media tool as well, and keep their fans updated on all pre- and post-game matters, including finding missing teeth.
Ontario Students Have Spoken
Feb. 25, 2011
A survey of over 2,600 Ontario students revealed they have surprising opinions on what should go on in their classrooms. Some of the survey findings include:
- 82 per cent said they believe all sexual orientations should be addressed in sexual education classes.
- three-quarters of students oppose cell phone use in the classroom as an educational tool, saying they’re distracting.
- students were divided on questions about having mandatory physical education classes for all grades.
- students were divided on whether to start the school day later in the morning.
Ontario as “Media Mecca”
Feb. 24, 2011
A provincial agency focused on promoting jobs and investing in creative industries, the Ontario Media Development Corporation is leading Ontario in the creative media sector with their new ad campaign touting the digital media sector. More than 300,000 people work in Ontario’s media sector, contributing $12 billion to the provincial GDP. The digital media sector grows about 10 per cent annually.
“We’re the envy of a lot of other countries, OMDC co-founder Mark Bishop said. “It’s one thing to have the financial incentive, but you also have to have the talent to pull it off.”
Ontario to Award $3-billion to Green Energy
Feb. 24, 2011
Ontarians will benefit from one of the province’s biggest investments of its kind – the project will provide enough electricity to support about 200,000 households, and create about 7,000 direct and indirect jobs. This investment also helps provide longevity for the still new energy sector. McGuinty’s Green Energy Act focuses on wind, solar and hydroelectric initiatives to create up to 50,000 new jobs and lure investors by promising generous long-term contracts.
Ontario Liberals Help Forest Industry, Create Jobs
Feb. 24, 2011
McGuinty’s Liberals plan on re-energizing the strong Ontario forest sector by managing sustainability, attracting new investments and creating new jobs. Introduced today, the proposed Ontario Forest Tenure Modernization Act would provide support for two new forest management models: Local Forest Management Corporations (manage Crown forest and oversee timber sales), and Enhanced Shareholder Sustainable Forest Licences (a group of people to collect timber from other companies and manage sales, Crown forests, and the Sustainable Forest Licence issued to them).
All Party Committee to Review TMX and LSE Merger
Feb. 24, 2011, Toronto
The proposed transaction between the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange will be under review by an all-party committee who will consider the impact of the merger on the Ontario’s economy and population, financial sectors, and Northern Ontario’s mining industries. Currently, Toronto ranks 12th in the world for global financial centres.
Ontario Celebrates Third Annual Family Day
Feb.24, 2011
Introduced in 2007 as part of a provincial election initiative by Dalton McGuinty’s Liberal Party, Family Day in Ontario is a provincial holiday observed on the third Monday of February. This past week marks the third Family Day, seeing families celebrating with outdoor activities and various special events designated entirely for Family Day.
Ontario’s New Booze Rules
Feb. 23, 2011
With hopes to attract more tourism, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is hoping to change the liquor laws to loosen up on alcohol restrictions. Ontarians may no longer be confined to beer tents at outdoor events, and there is a proposed change to extend the legal curfew to serve alcohol at charitable or special events from 1am to 2am. The proposed laws would also allow for all-inclusive packages to be sold in Ontario.
“We want a level playing field so we can attract those international tourists,” tourism minister Michael Chan said.
Ontario’s First Gluten-free Beer
Feb. 23, 2011, Burlington
Brewed with sorghum syrup and pear juice, the beer is for people with gluten intolerance. From his Burlington-based brewery, Better Bitters is the first gluten-free beer to be born and bred in Ontario. Aptly called “like a beer,” Nickel Brook Gluten Free cannot legally call itself a beer because Health Canada’s standards state that anything called a beer must have wheat or barley in it. This dark golden brew tastes more like a bitter cider than wheat and barley beer, with the addition of American hops for a beer effect.
Ontario backs TTC as Essential Service
Feb. 22, 2011, Toronto
The Ontario Liberal party is supporting Toronto mayor Rob Ford’s legislation to make the Toronto Transit Commission (responsible for supplying all of the transportation in the city) an “essential service,” which would restrict their ability to legally strike.
“We have 1.5 million riders – that’s 1.5 million reasons why we need to act,” labour minister Charles Sousa said.
Ontario Roadside Zoos Need More Security
Feb. 22, 2011
Animal welfare organizations say that as many as 6 Ontario zoos are in danger due to animals being kept in what they say are inadequate fences. The two main problems, they say, are that the fences aren’t high enough and that people could get close to them if they wanted to. The zoos in question are Elmvale Zoo near Barrie, Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo in Ridgetown, Guha’s Tiger and Lion Farm in Utterson near Bracebridge, the Killman Zoo in Caledonia, the Northwood Zoo and Animal Sanctuary in Seagrave and Papanack Park Zoo in Wendover.
Ontario Liberals aim to cut 1,400 jobs
Feb. 21, 2011
The Ontario Public Service is bracing for a series of job cuts from Liberal Dalton McGuinty that may put over 1,000 bureaucrats out of work – a total cut of 5 per cent of the current employees. The government has so far identified half the jobs that will be cut, with the looming deadline this summer. The Liberal government plans to remove bureaucrats but add front-line workers such as teachers and nurses. Critics argue, however, that the Liberals actually created bureaucrat desk jobs by creating new provincial agencies such as Local Health Integration Networks and the Ontario Power Authority.
