April 20, 2025

Toronto News Daily

The Most up to date Local News in Toronto City

December 18, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Peel Police Seize Record Number of Illegal Guns, Averaging One Every 36 Hours

Peel Police Seize Record Number of Illegal Guns, Averaging One Every 36 Hours

 

Peel Regional Police have seized a record number of illegal firearms in 2024, averaging one seizure every 36 hours, according to Chief Nishan Duraiappah. Speaking at a news conference in Mississauga, Duraiappah revealed that 205 firearms have been seized so far this year, marking an increase of 62 from the 143 firearms recovered in 2023. He described the rise in illegal firearms in Peel and the Greater Toronto Area as a significant threat to public safety.

The region has also seen an increase in shootings, carjackings, and home invasions. Peel police are pushing for their largest budget increase ever for 2025, though the regional council has requested a reduction from the proposed $100 million increase due to its impact on property taxes.

The Strategic and Tactical Enforcement Policing (STEP) team, consisting of 15 officers, has been instrumental in reducing gun and gang violence. This year, the team seized 53 firearms, 63 magazines, and 915 rounds of ammunition, more than double the firearms seized last year and triple the amount from 2022. Of these firearms, 41 were traced back to the U.S., with the rest still under investigation. The seizures have resulted in 50 arrests, 461 charges, and 40 drug-related charges. However, 25 of those arrested have already been released, and many had prior charges or conditions.

Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner also spoke at the event, urging the federal government to strengthen border security to prevent firearms from being smuggled from the U.S., as most illegal guns used in crimes in Ontario originate from across the border.

 

December 18, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

How Did No One Know’ Three Abandoned Michigan Children Found Living in Squalor

Canada Post Cautions Delays as Workers Resume After Strike

Canada Post workers are returning to their jobs after a month-long strike, but the postal service warns that delays are expected as it works through a significant backlog. Postal operations resumed nationwide at 8 a.m. local time on Tuesday, with mail and parcels held during the strike being delivered on a “first-in, first-out” basis.

Canada Post announced it will start accepting new commercial mail on Thursday and international mail on December 23. The resumption follows a ruling by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), which ordered workers back to work after determining that a deal between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) was unlikely by the end of the year.

CUPW called the decision disappointing and is challenging the government’s intervention to end the strike. Despite this, union members have been instructed to return to their regular shifts, with legal strike action officially ending at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.

Canada Post has asked for patience from Canadians, warning that delivery delays will likely continue through the rest of 2024 and into January 2025 as the postal network stabilizes.

 

December 18, 2024 Carolyn Baeza
15-Year-Old Girl Identified as Shooter in Wisconsin School Tragedy

Police have confirmed that a 15-year-old girl was responsible for a shooting at a Wisconsin Christian school that left a teacher and a student dead and several others injured before she took her own life. The shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, a student at Abundant Life Christian School, also used the name Samantha.

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes reported that Rupnow was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound when officers arrived at the scene and died while being transported to the hospital. The attack occurred in a mixed-grades study hall, injuring six people. Two remain in critical condition, while a teacher and three other students sustained less severe injuries. Two of the wounded were released from the hospital by Monday evening.

The incident began just before 11 a.m. on Monday. Although it was initially reported that a second-grade student called 911, Chief Barnes clarified that the call was made by a second-grade teacher. First responders, who were in training nearby, arrived at the school within three minutes of the emergency call.

Barbara Wiers, director of elementary and school relations at Abundant Life Christian School, praised the students for their composure during the crisis. She explained that during safety drills, the school typically announces it as a drill, but on Monday, students recognized the seriousness when they heard the “lockdown” announcement.

Investigators recovered a 9 mm handgun at the scene and are examining online posts and a possible manifesto left by the shooter. The investigation into the tragedy is ongoing.

June 5, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

A Bad Mistake’: City of Toronto Staff Knew Vacant Home Tax Bills Could Backfire, Emails Show

A Bad Mistake': City of Toronto Staff Knew Vacant Home Tax Bills Could Backfire, Emails Show

Internal Emails Reveal Concerns

Toronto city staff signed off on the mass mailing of 176,000 incorrect vacant home tax bills despite internal discussions that sending them out would likely result in a flood of appeals, according to emails obtained by CTV News Toronto.

Disorganization and Dysfunction

Political analyst Scott Reid described the situation as “a story of disorganization, dysfunction, and disconnect from political reality.” He questioned, “Who did what, who failed to do what, and why were Torontonians stuck with this gigantic canard?”

Mass Mailing of Incorrect Bills

In early April, tens of thousands of Torontonians received notices in the mail, informing them that they owed thousands of dollars because their properties had been deemed vacant by the city. The vacant home tax is intended to discourage speculators from leaving homes empty during a housing crisis. However, as many as 20 percent of property owners were unaware that they needed to manually declare their occupancy status each year.

Preventable Anguish

Toronto Coun. Dianne Saxe acknowledged on Tuesday that this year’s rollout of the vacant home tax was poorly executed, causing unnecessary distress to many people. “That anguish was preventable,” she said, citing internal documents.

Early Warnings Ignored

On March 15, an employee compiling the vacancy data wrote in an email to four others, “hi guys, we may expect more than 150K undeclared accounts this year, and it would take hours to run the VHT bill.” Three days later, the same employee flagged the 176,817 pending bills to revenue services staff. A supervisor responded, “Sounds like for VHT to be viable long term, declaration carryover is needed? Otherwise 176K bills will yield 176K appeals?”

Approval and Printing

On March 20, a manager in revenue services reiterated that 176,817 bills were being issued and requested permission to print them. The acting director approved the request, and the tax notices were rushed to print, requiring three overtime shifts at the printing center to handle the volume.

June 4, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Bank of Canada Interest Rate Decision Coming on Wednesday Amid Rate Cut Speculation

Bank of Canada Interest Rate Decision Coming on Wednesday Amid Rate Cut Speculation

Overview

The Bank of Canada is set to announce its latest interest rate decision on Wednesday, amid widespread speculation that the central bank will deliver its first rate cut in more than four years. Financial markets are largely expecting a quarter-percentage-point reduction in the key lending rate, although some analysts believe the bank might wait.

Economic Context

Justification for Rate Cuts

RBC’s assistant chief economist, Nathan Janzen, noted that all the ingredients are present to justify lower interest rates. Janzen expects the central bank to cut interest rates in both June and July but anticipates a “cautious tone” about future moves. An interest rate cut this week would mark a significant turning point for the Bank of Canada, which began aggressively raising rates in March 2022 in response to rising inflation. This move would also bring relief to households with variable-rate mortgages and reduce the jump in payments for those set to renew their mortgages soon. However, Janzen cautioned that the shift to interest rate cuts signals bad news as well, as it indicates the Canadian economy is underperforming.

Governor’s Statement

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has stated that a rate cut is within the realm of possibilities, but the decision will be guided by economic data. He emphasized that the central bank is seeing the necessary indicators but wants to observe them for longer to be confident that progress toward price stability will be sustained.

Economic Indicators

Inflation and Employment

Economists have been particularly encouraged by Canada’s marked slowdown in price growth. The annual inflation rate for April was 2.7%, down from 2.9% in March. Core measures of inflation, which exclude volatile prices, have also steadily eased in recent months. The interest rate decision follows a report by Statistics Canada last week that showed economic growth in the first quarter fell short of the Bank of Canada’s expectations, with a revised lower reading for growth in the fourth quarter of 2023. However, the April jobs report showed employment rose by 90,000 for the month, marking the largest employment increase in more than a year. The unemployment rate held steady at 6.1%, a full percentage point higher than a year ago.

Expert Opinions

Tu Nguyen, an economist with RSM Canada, believes there is “no question” that the Bank of Canada should cut interest rates this week. She argued that holding the rate at five percent could accomplish very little besides holding the economy back, given that inflation has already fallen, the economy hasn’t grown significantly, and the unemployment rate is rising. Nguyen added that even after cutting interest rates, the Bank of Canada’s policy rate will remain “restrictive” for some time, meaning interest rates will continue to weigh on the economy and slow inflation down.

Future Projections

Rate Cut Expectations

RBC expects the central bank to cut interest rates four times this year, bringing its key benchmark rate down to four percent. In contrast, it only expects one quarter-point cut from the U.S. Federal Reserve. Janzen stated that this divergence is justified, given the weaker Canadian economic growth backdrop. Meanwhile, some analysts are still holding out for a rate cut in July instead of June.

Conclusion

The Bank of Canada’s interest rate decision on Wednesday is highly anticipated, with many expecting a rate cut that would mark a significant shift in monetary policy. The decision will be closely watched as it will have substantial implications for the Canadian economy, particularly in terms of inflation, employment, and overall economic growth.

June 3, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

1 Man Critical, 4 Others in Serious Condition Following Shooting in North Etobicoke

1 Man Critical, 4 Others in Serious Condition Following Shooting in North Etobicoke

Incident Overview

A man has been critically injured and four others are in serious condition following a shooting late Sunday night in north Etobicoke.

Location and Timing

Rexdale Neighbourhood

The incident happened in the Rexdale neighbourhood, in the parking lot of North Albion Collegiate Institute at 2580 Kipling Ave., just north of Mount Olive Drive.

Police Response

Toronto police said that they were called to that area shortly before 11 p.m. for reports of a shooting.

Victim Details

Critical Condition

In a post on X, police said that one of the victims is a man in his 50s. They said that he was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Serious Injuries

Police also said that four other people, whose age or gender is unknown at this time, were taken to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigation

Suspect Information

Investigators said that a black truck was seen fleeing the scene.

Police Presence

There is a heavy police presence in that area at this time. Currently, Mount Olive is closed in both directions between Kipling and Silverstone Drive as police investigate.

June 2, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Man Seriously Injured in Etobicoke Shooting

Man Seriously Injured in Etobicoke Shooting

Man Seriously Injured in Etobicoke Shooting

Incident Overview

Toronto police are investigating after a man was shot in Etobicoke on Saturday evening. Officers received a call shortly after 10 p.m. for reports of a shooting in the area of Albion and Martin Grove roads.

Response and Victim’s Condition

When they arrived, officers found a man in his 20s with gunshot wounds. Police said the victim was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigation

The investigation is ongoing, and police are seeking any information from the public that could assist in identifying the suspect or suspects involved in the shooting.

June 1, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Man Convicted of Killing Toronto Cop in 1980 Granted Day Parole

Man Convicted of Killing Toronto Cop in 1980 Granted Day Parole

Man Convicted of Killing Toronto Cop in 1980 Granted Day Parole

Overview

A man convicted of murdering a Toronto police officer more than four decades ago has been granted day parole for six months.

Background

The Crime

Craig Munro is serving a life sentence at a B.C. prison for fatally shooting Const. Michael Sweet on March 14, 1980, during a botched robbery attempt at a Toronto tavern.

Parole Application

Earlier this month, the Parole Board of Canada heard the 72-year-old’s application for day parole. In its decision, the board, following a review of his file, stated that it found Munro has “made significant gains over the course of your sentence, have seen a reduction in your assessed areas of needs, and are committed to living a pro-social and law-abiding lifestyle.”

Parole Board Decision

Considerations

The board also considered the statements from Sweet’s family and the Toronto Police Service, who opposed any form of release. “It was evident in the heart-rending victim presentations at today’s hearing the harm suffered by the victim’s family members continue to negatively affect their emotional well-being,” reads the decision obtained by CTV News Toronto.

Behavior Assessment

The board acknowledged in its decision that Munro has not engaged in any violent behavior for over 30 years, during which he has completed several escorted and unescorted temporary absences. “At times you have demonstrated poor decision making but these incidents have not led to an increase in aggression or any violent behavior,” the decision reads.

Risk Evaluation

“Having weighed and considered the board’s concerns against the mitigating factors of your case, the Board finds you will not present an undue risk to society if released on day parole. The board also finds that your release will contribute to the protection of society by facilitating your reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen.”

Conditions of Parole

According to the decision, Munro will reside at a community residential facility on Vancouver Island while on day parole. The board also imposed several conditions, including not consuming alcohol and drugs and not contacting the victim’s family members. Munro is also not allowed to travel or be in Surrey, Richmond, B.C., or the province of Ontario without the written permission of his parole supervisor

May 31, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Night Mode’: Toronto Blue Jays Reveal City Connect Jerseys

Night Mode': Toronto Blue Jays Reveal City Connect Jerseys

Unveiling the New Jerseys

The Toronto Blue Jays have unveiled their new City Connect jerseys. The new designs, featuring the Toronto skyline across the chest, were released as part of the City Connect partnership between MLB and Nike. This partnership saw new jerseys released for every team, meant to reflect the cultural aspect of their home city.

Design Details

Rhythmic Skyline Graphic

The rhythmic skyline graphic, proudly displayed across the uniform chest, portrays the pulse of Toronto’s Night Mode and the vibrant lights that reflect off the pitch blue of Lake Ontario, the team said in a release issued Thursday evening. In addition to the city skyline, Toronto’s jerseys showcase the landmark Toronto sign.

Emulating ‘Night Mode’

“The Blue Jays are at the core of the city and those who call Toronto home know how the city comes alive at night,” said executive vice-president Marnie Starkman in the release. “Our new City Connect uniform aims to emulate that ‘Night Mode’ feeling.”

Launch Event

The team unveiled the uniforms at a release party in downtown Toronto on Thursday evening.

Merchandise Availability

The new City Connect merchandise will be available for purchase as of 8 a.m. on Friday at the Jays Shop, located at Rogers Centre.

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May 29, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Ontario Court Dismisses MPP Sarah Jama’s Request for Review of Censure

Ontario Court Dismisses MPP Sarah Jama's Request for Review of Censure

Court Decision on Judicial Review

An Ontario court has dismissed a request by MPP Sarah Jama for a judicial review of her censure from the legislature. The decision, made on May 23, found that the courts have “no jurisdiction to review matters that fall within parliamentary privilege, including review under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”

Constitutional Separation of Powers

“The law is well-settled,” the decision states. “As a matter of the constitutional separation of powers, those matters are within the exclusive purview of the Legislative Assembly.” Jama was censured by the Doug Ford government in October over social media comments about the Israel-Gaza war. While a censure is typically a formal statement of disapproval, the government motion attached a condition that prevents the Speaker from recognizing her in the House until a formal apology is made.

Rare and Controversial Motion

Experts have called the motion “very rare,” as it prevents Jama from speaking publicly in the legislature on behalf of her constituents. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Hamilton-Centre MPP reiterated that she will not apologize for her comments, in which she expressed support for the Palestinian people and called for an end to the “occupation of Palestinian land.”

Jama’s Response to the Decision

“With this disappointing decision, the court is essentially stating that the Ontario Legislature can, with impunity, censor an elected opposition member with whom it disagrees,” Jama wrote. “As I consider whether I have the energy and resources to appeal this decision, I continue to ask my fellow MPPs to do the right thing and vote to end my censure, if not because they have come to agree with my statements, then at least because they recognize that in a democratic country, I must have the right to make them.”

Government’s Reaction

Government House Leader Paul Calandra expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating that the government has “vigorously defended the important role of Parliament in our system of democracy.” He added, “This is the second time in recent years the courts have unequivocally upheld the supremacy of Parliament and I am very pleased with the outcome.”