April 19, 2025

Toronto News Daily

The Most up to date Local News in Toronto City

March 30, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Teenager Seriously Injured in North York Shooting: Police Investigate

Teenager Seriously Injured in North York Shooting: Police Investigate

In a concerning incident, a teenage boy sustained serious injuries in a shooting in North York. The incident occurred near Jane Street and Trethewey Drive, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

Details of the Incident

Toronto Police were alerted to the situation shortly before 9:30 p.m. following reports of gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, a boy believed to be in his teens, with gunshot wounds. He was promptly transported to the hospital for medical attention. Toronto Paramedic Services confirmed that they attended to one individual with serious injuries, though the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Suspects and Investigation

According to Toronto Police, three suspects were observed fleeing the scene in a grey/silver sedan. As of now, there are no specific descriptions of the suspects available.

The vicinity of the apartment complex where the shooting occurred was marked with evidence indicators, and law enforcement officers were seen conducting a thorough canvass of the area on Saturday night.

Call for Information

Investigators are urging anyone with relevant information about the incident to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation. Cooperation from the community is crucial in helping law enforcement ensure safety and hold accountable those responsible for such acts.

March 30, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

TTC Subway Incident: Toronto Police Arrest Man on Crowded Train

TTC Subway Incident: Toronto Police Arrest Man on Crowded Train

Toronto Police Service’s professional standards unit is currently investigating an incident captured in a video that surfaced on social media. The video shows several officers arresting a man on a crowded TTC subway train.

The footage, shared on Instagram, depicts five officers—four males and one female—approaching a visibly upset male seated inside the train. Another passenger points out the individual to the police, saying, “There he is.”

The male officers then proceed to grab the man’s arms and legs, moving him to the train floor. In the video, one officer is seen kicking the man multiple times in the shoulder/upper back area, prompting someone to yell, “Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop, that’s enough. Let it go.”

Responding to inquiries regarding the incident, Toronto Police provided a written statement to CTV News Toronto. According to the police statement, on March 26 around 11 a.m., they received reports of “unknown trouble” at Eglinton West subway station. Multiple individuals had dialed 911 alleging that a man had assaulted a woman on the train and stolen her phone.

The accused, whose identity remains undisclosed by the police, was arrested and charged with one count of robbery and three counts of fail to comply with probation.

The police have acknowledged the circulating video on social media, confirming that the male in the video is indeed the same individual arrested and charged on March 26 at Eglinton West Station. They also stated that no injuries were reported for either the victim or the suspect and that they do not suspect any involvement of weapons in the incident.

Regarding the ongoing professional standards investigation, the police mentioned that they would refrain from further comments.

CTV News Toronto has reached out to the TTC for their response and to the individual who posted the video on Instagram for additional context.

March 29, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Ontario’s 2023 Sunshine List Reveals Top Earners in Public Sector

Ontario's 2023 Sunshine List Reveals Top Earners in Public Sector

 

Ontario recently unveiled its annual Sunshine List, showcasing notable increases in salaries across hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors compared to the previous year. The Sunshine List, a compilation of public sector employees earning over $100,000 annually, sheds light on top earners and salary trends in Ontario’s public institutions.

Topping this year’s list is Ontario Power Generation President and CEO Ken Hartwick, with a salary exceeding $1.9 million. Notably, all five highest earners in Ontario’s public sector for 2023 were executives at OPG. With over 9,300 employees making the list, the diversity of high earners underscores the breadth of Ontario’s public sector.

Some standout earners include Ronald Cohn, President and CEO of The Hospital for Sick Children, with a salary of $851,414, and Kevin Smith, President and CEO of the University Health Network, earning $844,992. Phil Verster, CEO of Metrolinx, and Mark Fuller, President and CEO of the Ontario Pension Board, also feature prominently on the list.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s salary remains unchanged from the previous year at $208,974, highlighting disparities in earnings within the government. His chief of staff commands a salary exceeding $324,000, surpassing even some cabinet ministers like Government House Leader Paul Calandra and Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones, who earn $165,851 each.

Municipalities also feature prominently, with Toronto’s city manager earning $417,216 and Peel’s police chief receiving $423,050. TTC CEO Rick Leary saw a notable increase of nearly 19% in his salary, reaching $562,325 in 2023. Other public figures like Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore and Chief Coroner Dr. Dirk Huyer also command substantial salaries, reflecting the importance of their roles.

The threshold for inclusion in the Sunshine List, set at $100,000 since its inception in 1996, has come under scrutiny. Adjusted for inflation, this amount would be around $180,000 in 2024, prompting discussions about its relevance in today’s economic landscape. While some advocate for raising the threshold to reflect current economic conditions, Government House Leader Paul Calandra emphasized the list’s importance in promoting transparency and accountability in public spending.

The Sunshine List, doubling in size since 2018, remains a key tool for understanding salary trends and ensuring public awareness of compensation within Ontario’s public sector. As debates continue about the threshold’s adequacy, the annual release of the Sunshine List serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue around transparency and fiscal responsibility in public institutions.

March 28, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Attempted Auto Theft Thwarted by Police in North York Home Driveway

Attempted Auto Theft Thwarted by Police in North York Home Driveway

Newly obtained video footage from CP24 captures the dramatic scene of an attempted vehicle theft outside a residence in North York earlier this month, effectively halted by the swift intervention of law enforcement.

The incident unfolded in the early morning hours of March 9 in the vicinity of Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue. Surveillance footage reveals an individual clad in grey pants approaching a black Jeep Wrangler parked in the driveway. After a brief inspection of the vehicle, the individual retreats.

Jenna, a resident of the home, recounted receiving notifications from their private security provider about the activity on their driveway. Initially dismissive due to the absence of anyone visible, the situation escalated around 4 a.m. when another notification revealed the individual tampering with the Jeep’s hood fuses and attempting to unlock the passenger side door.

Subsequent footage shows the suspect reattempting entry with a tool, delving into the wiring behind the glove box. Concerned, Jenna and her family promptly alerted the authorities.

“It was evident they were trying to start the car at that point,” Jenna disclosed.

During the attempted theft, a second individual acted as a lookout across the street. However, their plans unraveled when they noticed approaching police lights, prompting their swift departure from the scene.

Toronto Police later confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the incident. Terrence Daferuru, 23, of no fixed address, and Sofia Zuniga, 21, of Laval, Quebec, face a total of 10 charges related to the attempted theft.

Despite minor damage to the Wrangler, including a broken lock and removed fuses, the vehicle’s security features largely remained intact. Superintendent Steve Watts of Toronto Police remarked that the suspect’s actions suggested an attempt to disable the security system.

The foiled theft incident coincides with an alarming trend of rising auto thefts. On the same day, an unrelated police news conference announced the recovery of 48 stolen vehicles worth nearly $4 million, resulting in charges against seven individuals totaling 150 counts.

Conclusion

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant security measures and prompt reporting, contributing to the efforts to curb auto thefts and ensure community safety.

March 26, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Ontario’s Plan to Balance Budget Ahead of 2026 Election: Navigating Economic Uncertainty

Ontario's Plan to Balance Budget Ahead of 2026 Election: Navigating Economic Uncertainty

The Ontario government, under Premier Doug Ford, is charting a course to balance its budget before the upcoming provincial election despite facing a larger-than-expected deficit. The recently unveiled 2024 budget, titled “Building a Better Ontario,” emphasizes infrastructure and healthcare spending while ensuring minimal impact on taxpayers’ wallets.

Economic Uncertainty and Fiscal Strategy

Acknowledging ongoing economic uncertainty, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to fiscal responsibility. The 200-page budget document reaffirms this stance, highlighting the need for prudent financial management amid fluctuating economic conditions.

Budget Overview

The 2024 budget represents a historic milestone for Ontario, with total spending reaching approximately $214.5 billion, making it the largest budget in the province’s history. Of this amount, close to $194.5 billion is allocated towards programming, reflecting the government’s priorities in key sectors.

Deficit Projections

Despite efforts to contain expenditure, the province’s deficit for the last fiscal year is expected to reach around $3 billion, surpassing earlier projections. However, this figure is lower than the third-quarter estimate of $4.5 billion. Looking ahead, the deficit is forecasted to peak at $9.8 billion in 2024-25 before gradually decreasing to $4.6 billion in 2025-26. A small surplus of $500,000 is projected for 2026-27, aligning with the election timeline.

Government’s Response and Fiscal Responsibility

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy emphasized the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while simultaneously investing in critical areas. He noted that the budget plan provides certainty to markets and instills confidence in Ontario’s ability to navigate global economic challenges.

Healthcare and Infrastructure Investments

A significant portion of the budget is allocated to healthcare, with approximately $85 billion earmarked for funding, an increase from $81 billion in the previous year. This includes investments to enhance primary care services, expand interprofessional care teams, and bolster home and community healthcare.

Infrastructure Initiatives

The budget also outlines substantial investments in infrastructure, including a new municipal housing infrastructure program worth $1 billion. Additionally, Vaughan, Ont., will see the establishment of a new medical school in collaboration with York University, focusing on training family doctors.

In conclusion, Ontario’s budget for 2024 reflects a balancing act between fiscal prudence and strategic investments. Despite economic challenges, the government remains committed to achieving a balanced budget by 2026, underscoring its resilience and forward-looking approach.

March 24, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Canada’s Defence Minister Emphasizes Cultural Reform to Address Military Recruitment Challenges

Canada's Defence Minister Emphasizes Cultural Reform to Address Military Recruitment Challenges

In a recent interview on The West Block with Mercedes Stephenson, Canada’s defence minister, Bill Blair, discussed the imperative need for cultural reform within the military as a fundamental step towards reversing the concerning trend of dwindling recruitment numbers, which he termed as a “death spiral.”

Blair emphasized that cultural change is a continuous process rather than a one-time event, highlighting the necessity to institutionalize these changes effectively. He underscored the importance of acknowledging the seriousness of the military’s recruitment challenges, a point he emphasized in a speech to senior leaders within the Canadian Armed Forces earlier in March. In this speech, Blair candidly described the ongoing recruitment struggles as indicative of a “death spiral,” a term he deliberately chose to serve as a wake-up call to military leadership.

The minister stressed the interconnectedness of boosting recruitment numbers with overhauling the current military culture. He referenced the long-standing issue of sexual misconduct within the ranks, a problem that was often ignored or downplayed by senior male leaders. This issue gained significant attention following a scathing report by former Supreme Court of Canada justice Louise Arbour in 2022, which highlighted the systemic failures in addressing sexual misconduct and power abuse within the Canadian Armed Forces.

Blair’s interview comes on the heels of recent legislative changes aimed at modernizing the military justice system. These changes, including transferring investigations and prosecutions of Criminal Code sexual offences to civilian authorities, signify a pivotal shift towards addressing systemic issues within the military and ensuring greater accountability.

The minister’s candid remarks and the government’s proactive measures reflect a concerted effort to not only acknowledge but also actively tackle the underlying cultural and systemic challenges that have contributed to the recruitment crisis. This focus on cultural reform is seen as a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive, accountable, and sustainable military environment for the future.

March 24, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Child Suffers Life-Altering Injuries After Dog Attack at Toronto Waterfront Playground

Child Suffers Life-Altering Injuries After Dog Attack at Toronto Waterfront Playground

In a distressing incident at Little Norway Park, a child sustained life-altering injuries after being bitten and dragged by a dog on Saturday morning, as reported by Toronto police. The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. at the playground near Lake Shore Boulevard West and Bathurst Street.

Details of the Incident

According to authorities, a woman was inside the playground area with her off-leashed dog when a father and his child arrived. The dog, unleashed, charged towards the child through an open gate, biting and dragging them to the ground. Both the woman and the father made efforts to get the dog to release the child, which eventually happened.

Immediate Response and Concerns

The woman then fled the scene with the dog, prompting concerns about public safety. The child, suffering serious but non-life-threatening injuries, was promptly transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

Police Seeking Information

On Saturday evening, Toronto police released a photo of the woman and her dog, highlighting the need for information regarding the incident. The woman is described as 30 to 40 years old, between five-foot-nine and five-foot-11, with a large build and dark hair in a ponytail. The dog, identifiable as black, tan, and white in colour, was last seen wearing a black-hooded jacket and a chain collar.

This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and adherence to safety measures, especially in public areas frequented by children. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, emphasizing the need for community cooperation to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.

March 23, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

joseph-george-sutherland-sentenced-to-life-for-1980s-toronto-murders

Joseph George Sutherland Sentenced to Life for 1980s Toronto Murders

Joseph George Sutherland Sentenced to Life for 1980s Toronto Murders

In a landmark case that has spanned over four decades, Joseph George Sutherland has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for 21 years for the brutal murders of Erin Gilmour and Susan Tice in Toronto during the 1980s. The sentencing, delivered by Superior Court Justice Maureen Forestell, marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.

The Chilling Crimes

The crimes, dating back to 1983, shocked the city of Toronto. Erin Gilmour, the daughter of mining magnate David Gilmour, was just 22 years old when she was brutally attacked in her Yorkville apartment. Susan Tice, another victim, was found murdered in her Bickford Park home earlier that year. Both women were sexually assaulted, and their homes, places that should have been sanctuaries, became scenes of profound violence.

Decades of Evasion

Despite the gravity of the crimes, Sutherland evaded capture for nearly 40 years. His confession and guilty plea last October finally brought closure to a long-standing investigation. The delay in apprehending Sutherland underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in cold cases and highlights the advancements in forensic technology that ultimately led to his arrest in 2022.

The Legal Proceedings

During the sentencing, Justice Forestell considered a Gladue report, shedding light on Sutherland’s troubled upbringing marred by colonialism and abuse. His early years at St. Anne’s Residential School exposed him to physical and sexual trauma, contributing to a life marked by substance abuse and psychological struggles.

Seeking Redemption?

Sutherland’s claim of embarking on a spiritual quest to seek forgiveness from his victims’ spirits presented a complex narrative. While he expressed difficulty remembering the crimes, Justice Forestell deemed his spiritual journey as evidence of adequate recollection, rejecting any notion of complete memory loss.

Impact and Closure

The impact of these heinous acts reverberated through the victims’ families and the community for decades. Sean McGowan, Erin Gilmour’s brother, expressed a mix of relief and acceptance at the sentencing, acknowledging the closure the legal proceedings brought after years of anguish.

Justice Served

Prosecutor Michael Canton emphasized the importance of accountability and deterrence in such cases, emphasizing the justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. With the sentencing ensuring a significant period of incarceration for Sutherland, the ruling reflects a step towards justice for the victims and their loved ones.

In conclusion, Joseph George Sutherland’s sentencing serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring pursuit of justice and the impact of crimes on individuals and communities.

March 9, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

Homicide Unit Investigates Human Remains Discovered at Brampton House Fire Site: Peel Police

Homicide Unit Investigates Human Remains Discovered at Brampton House Fire Site: Peel Police

Peel Regional Police have announced that the homicide and missing persons bureau is leading an investigation following the discovery of human remains at the scene of a significant house fire in Brampton. The fire erupted near Van Scott Drive and McLaughlin Road, just north of Sandalwood Parkway, around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, causing extensive damage to the residence and impacting a neighboring home before firefighters could bring it under control.

Constable Nikhil Chakravarthy informed the media on Friday afternoon that due to the extensive structural damage, authorities utilized an excavator in the search efforts. Unfortunately, human remains believed to be linked to the incident were found earlier in the day.

“The Peel Regional Police homicide and missing persons bureau has taken charge of this investigation and will collaborate closely with the Fire Marshal’s Office and the coroner’s office to determine the cause of the fire,” Constable Chakravarthy stated.

At present, police have refrained from disclosing the number of individuals who may be unaccounted for or the potential number of bodies within the debris. Chakravarthy emphasized that such details would be revealed as the investigation progresses.

“It is premature for us to comment on the number of occupants in the residence or those associated with it, and this will be thoroughly examined as part of the investigation,” Chakravarthy affirmed.

Recognizing the impact such incidents have on the community, Chakravarthy urged anyone with information to come forward, especially given the area’s dense population.

“This is a densely populated area,” he emphasized.

“There is likely to have been a number of persons in the area at around 1:30 p.m. as well as passersby with dash camera footage and residents that might live in the area with doorbell footage.”

 

March 8, 2024 Carolyn Baeza

A man has tragically passed away after being shot at a condominium building in Etobicoke, succumbing to his injuries at the hospital.

A man has tragically passed away after being shot at a condominium building in Etobicoke, succumbing to his injuries at the hospital.

The shooting incident took place late Thursday evening within the building. Emergency services were alerted and Toronto police officers promptly responded to the call near The West Mall and Eva Road, an area situated west of Highway 427.

The responding officers quickly found a man at the scene who had been shot. Following the discovery, he was urgently transported to a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts to save him, he was later pronounced deceased at the medical facility.