Stephen Harper address British lawmakers, says he hopes Canada will reach a free-trade agreement with European Union
June 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
Stephen Harper has thanked the British Prime Minister Thursday. He acknowledged David Cameron, in front of British lawmakers, for his strong advocacy on behalf of a free-trade pact between Canada and the European union. Harper’s address also made mentions on global security and a pitch for the prized trade agreement the conservatives have long gone after. This marks the first time since the second war a Canadian prime minister has formally addressed British parliament.
Toronto police asking for help finding missing man
June 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
Toronto Police are asking for public’s help in locating a missing 70 year old man. James Reid was last seen Wednesday, June 12 at 3:30 p.m. in the Thorncliffe Park Drive/Overlea Boulevard area. Reid is white, about 5’8” and weighs between 175 to 190 pounds and has short grey hair. He was wearing a blue jacket, with a polo shirt, khaki pants, brown shoes and prescription glasses with thick frames. Police are concerned for his safety. Anyone with information should contact police at 416-808-5300 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477)
Massive raids throughout GTA include a building where Mayor Rob Ford is alleged to have been video tapped smoking crack cocaine
June 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
A series of early-morning Thursday raids in the GTA and across the province has led to the arrest of dozens of suspected drug and gun traffickers and the seizure of large amounts of drugs, weapons and cash. Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair says 39 search warrants were executed in the so-called Project Traveller, which began in June, 2012, following numerous violent crimes, including murder and attempted murder. The raids began shortly after 5:00m a.m., and involved police from multiple jurisdictions including Durham, the RCMP and Ontario Provincial 19 people were arrested this morning in Toronto and nine in Windsor, adding that to date 43 people have been arrested in the investigation. Targets around the Greater Toronto Area included an apartment building where an alleged video that appeared to show Mayor Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine was reported to be located. Blair said he could not comment on any evidence or investigative
Groups presenting arguments to criminalize pimps and johns, but protect prostitutes
June 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
A coalition of groups are looking to criminalize pimps and johns, but protect prostitutes from prosecution. More than a dozen groups are making their arguments before the Supreme Court of Canada on Thursday. Diane Matte, head of a Quebec group dedicated to ending sexual exploitation, says all women have the right to decide whether or not to have sex with whoever they want. It was last year that the Ontario Court of Appeal struck down the criminal code ban on bawdy houses, ruling the law puts sex workers in danger by forcing them to work outside. The federal and Ontario governments will argue against any decriminalization.
Sobeys buys Safeway stores for $5.8 billion
June 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
Two Canadian supermarkets have cooked up a big deal. Shares of Empire – Sobey’s parent company- along with Safeway are making healthy gains following news that Sobeys grocery chain will buy more than 200 Safeway stores in western Canada. The deal is worth $5.8-billion dollars. Sobeys is already the country’s second-largest grocery retailer and will solidify that position by adding 213 Safeway stores from Thunder Bay, Ontario to British Columbia. Although, it hasn’t decided if Safeway stores will keep their name.
Ontario’s elementary teachers reach tentative contract with government
June 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
Elementary teachers have reached a tentative deal with the province. The Liberal government and the Elementary Teachers’ Federation’s contract agreement includes a provision for 11 sick days a year, with complete pay. They’ll also get an additional 120 days with 90 per cent pay. Although, there’s no confirmation the teachers will see their pay frozen for two years – something the government is hoping for, in order to help eliminate Ontario’s deficit. The federation will have until June 23rd to ratify the agreement in principle.
Whitby grocery store closed after suspicious package was found
June 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
Durham Police called to a Whitby grocery store after an envelope was sent to an employee with a suspicious white powder inside. Officers closed the Metro on Thickson Road South around the lunch hour on Wednesday after the envelope was opened. Test results have confirmed the substance did not pose a health risk to anyone. No arrests have been made.
Oshawa councillors send letter to province following debate over multi-million dollar works depot
June 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
The debate over the purchase of a multi-million dollar property in Oshawa is heating up. Following council on Monday, six reports were released on the city’s website regarding works depot. But three councillors are saying it isn’t enough, and have now sent a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. In the letter to Linda Jeffrey, councillors John Neal, Tito-Dante Mariampietri, and Bruce Wood, said they believe council is failing to allow full discussions, and they support a full inquiry into the matter. Meanwhile, the city recently hosted a tour of the 199 Wentworth property – the property that’s causing so much commotion at council. Commissioner for Community Service, Jag Sharma, says they’ve identified areas that need repair and have budgeted around $700,00 for that. He says the building is apart of a bigger $25-million project, which includes the purchase of three properties for a new works depot. The commissioner says the building has complete capability to house their admin and support functions, along with meeting Oshawa’s fleet and operational requirements, and adding the Wentworth property will provide relief to City Hall because its reached capacity.
Reports say Senator owes $231,000
June 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
One of the four Senators under investigation for improper expense claims owes a lot more money than what was thought before according to new reports. The amount of money to be repaid by Mac Harb has gone up to $231,000. The committee probing the expenses ordered audits of housing and living alowance claims by Senators Harb, Mike Duffy and Patrick Brazeau and traveling expenses of Pamela Wallin. While Harb’s alleged invalid claims were initially pegged at $51,500, the panel went back eight years and came to the conclusion he should reimburse over two hundred thousand. Harb has insisted he broke no rules.
Durham Police lay charges in credit card fraud investigation
June 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
Durham Police are laying charges against two people for credit card fraud. On Tuesday, an Oshawa retail store contacted police after gift cards were purchased using a fraudulent credit card. The suspects were stopped in a cab in north Oshawa and arrested. Multiple fraudulent credit cards were allegedly found in their possession. A 37 year old Vaughan woman and a 33 year old Toronto man have been charged.
Four options revealed for future of Gardiner Expressway
June 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
Four options for the future of the eastern section of the Gardiner Expressway have been revealed by the city of Toronto. Plans to remove, repair, maintain, or improve will now undergo an environmental assessment. Whatever the outcome is, work on the 2.4 kilometer elevated stretch of the aging highway will begin next spring. Residents can offer their input tonight at 6 p.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Ajax teens arrested for armed robbery
June 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
Three Ajax teens have been arrested in connection to an armed robbery. Durham police say just before 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, a man was robbed at knifepoint in the Station Street and Commercial Avenue area of his cellphone, cigarettes and a shopping bag. They say one of the suspects held a knife to the victims ribcage and then they fled on foot. A 16 year old and two 17 year old boys have been charged.