April 22, 2011 NEWS Office Complex Called Bird Killer Park Cash Consilium Place Sued by Ecology Groups for Collisions Against Glass Towers Plan Killed

Election preview greetings from quebec Where the top three candidates Justin Trudeau visited Scarborough stand in each Scarborough riding to root for Rana Sarkar - See pages 4 and 5 - See page 3 THE EAST TORONTO OBSERVER • Friday• April 22 • 2011 • • PUBLISHED BY UTSC/CENTENNIAL COLLEGE JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SERVING SCARBOROUGH • •TORONTOOBSERVER.CA• Tories promise national park Rouge Valley would become tourist hotspot

james wattie The Observer

Just a quick drive from the skyscrapers of Toronto, and right in the backyard of Scar- andre thurairatnam The Observer borough could be Canada’s / first urban national park. The Conservatives, if elect- That does impress me much ed, would establish a new na- From her extravagant outfits to her electrifying dance moves, Shania Twain tribute act Donna Huber had the entire crowd dancing tional park in the Rouge Val- until the wee hours of the morning at Smilin’ Jack’s Bar and Grill Saturday night. See story on page 8. ley, according to their party platform. “Its [the park] time has come,” Ron Dewell, acting general manager of the Rouge Park Alliance said. “Many cities have a piece of the park and it has run its Road plans could cause course,” he said. The 47-sq. km. forested area is looked over by several different governments, including Toronto, Markham, Rich- mond Hill and Whitchurch- gridlock in Scarborough Stouffville. Scarborough-Rouge River Conservative candidate, Mar- andre thurairatnam typically called a ‘shave and routes to bypass construc- lene Gallyot, claims the park The Observer pave’ — that’s where you just tion, area resident Fiona would boost the prominence take the top off,” Minnan- Griffith said she’s concerned of the riding. It’s been said Toronto has Wong said. “Roads can last a traffic will be just as bad as two seasons. Winter and con- really long time and there has last summer, when the south- Park brings benefits struction. to be ongoing maintenance. ern portion of the road was With winter at an end, the Doing a shave and pave is a being worked on. “It would be more recogni- city recently announced its really important part of that. “Pharmacy is the only tion for Scarborough-Rouge 2011 plan for road work, in- “The reconstruction is [other route] that I can think River,” she said. “It would cluding two major projects in where we go right down to of,” she said. “But even last bring in a lot more tourism the Scarborough area. the dirt. We pull out the entire summer when we were trying and hopefully encourage for- Coun. Denzil Minnan- road, the curbs, redo the side- to take alternate routes, we’d eign investors to come to the Wong, chairman of the city’s walks. It’s a major initiative.” get blocked off anyway be- area.” public works and infrastruc- Like Minnan-Wong, Myl- cause everyone else is think- Gallyot also said the park ture committee, unveiled es Currie, Toronto’s director ing the same thing. would create more jobs for the campaign at the corner of transportation services, “The traffic is going to be the area. She wants to see of Victoria Park Avenue and said he sympathizes with hectic.” this recognition help create a Ellesmere Road last week. motorists. The city has invested stronger infrastructure for the “While it is critical to keep “The city is aware of the more than $130 million into riding. the roads in good condition, andre thurairatnam/The Observer construction season,” he the 2011 road-work initia- Rouge Park runs from the it sometimes can mean de- Coun. Denzil Minnan-Wong (left) speaks with Direc- said. “What we try to do is tive, with money also go- edge of Lake Ontario to the lays,” he said. “In order to tor of Transportation Services Myles Currie as the city keep parallel routes in the ing toward filling potholes. Oak Ridges Moraine just avoid disruptions, we coor- unveiled their plans for road work later this year. same part of the city free According to city statistics, north of Richmond Hill. dinate our efforts with other from construction and utility Toronto has filled about Park officials plan to re- agencies, such as utility com- but I can’t stress this enough. road resurfacing, while Vic- work. 237,000 potholes in the past work its trail system. The panies, so that we can keep This work is absolutely es- toria Park from Hwy. 401 to “Victoria Park will be a three years. formation of a national park our disruptions to a mini- sential.” Finch Avenue is set to un- challenge, so in this area we For more information would help with funding the mum. Markham Road from dergo a complete reconstruc- will try and keep our parallel about the state of good re- proposed changes, Dewell “We sympathize with mo- Sheppard Avenue to Elles- tion. routes open.” pair road work program, visit said. torists as they travel the city, mere is set to get a simple “The road resurfacing is Even with neighbouring toronto.ca. PAGE 2 - The East Toronto Observer, April 22, 2011 NEWS Office complex called bird killer Park cash Consilium Place sued by ecology groups for collisions against glass towers plan killed,

Y eamrot taddese bridge held The Observer

Scarborough’s Consilium erica tiangco Place is one of the deadliest The Observer office complexes for migratory birds in Toronto, a pair An April 5 city budget of environmental groups are meeting turned down a request alleging in a groundbreaking to redirect funds intended for a lawsuit. Scarborough pedestrian bridge Ecojustice and Ontario to playground equipment. Nature are behind the suit The proposal had been against the management made by Scarborough Centre of the McCowan Road Councillor Glenn De Baer- and Progress Avenue area emaeker when it was revealed complex, which consists the 2003 plans to build the of three 17- and 19-storey 25-metre bridge had gone no- towers. According to Eco- where. justice, about 7,000 dead The bridge was intended to and injured birds have connect a condominium build- been documented by Fatal ing to the Scarborough RT at Light Awareness Program the Scarborough Town Cen- (FLAP) at the site over the tre. A letter of credit provided last decade. by the developer, Monarch The lawsuit is the first of yeamrot taddese/The Observer Equinox Condominium Ltd., its kind in North America, Consilium Place is allegedly one of the most fatal building complexes in the GTA for migrating birds, due to the almost six years ago was for Ecojustice lawyer Albert glass windows. Ecojustice and Ontario Nature have brought the building owners to court. approximately $850,000. The Koehl said. company also proposed to “If you kill a migratory fund an additional $600,000 bird without a hunting per- “For a long time be- buildings to prevent bird “Birds learn very quickly panies, have been charged for the project to sustain main- mit, it’s illegal,” he said. fore this, [Ecojustice and collisions. Visual markers that these are not threats,” under Ontario’s Environ- tenance and connection fees. “If you kill a thousand Ontario Nature] have ap- on the glass are the most he said. “They fly over it mental Protection Act. The birds, there doesn’t seem to proached the building effective, he said. and they fly under it.” maximum fine under the act A bridge too costly be a penalty for you. That owners on a voluntary ba- Consilium Place at- Menkes Consilium Inc., is $6 million per day for a didn’t seem right.” sis,” Brus said. tempted to scare birds away Menkes Developments first offence. The suit is set Many Scarborough resi- Ecojustice spokesperson Michael Mesure of FLAP by using holographic tape, Ltd. and Menkes Property to continue May 9–11 at the dents approve of De Baer- Kori Brus said a lawsuit said there are several things Mesure said, but that has Management Services Ltd., Ontario Court of Justice in emaeker’s request. was a last resort. that can be done to existing not been effective. along with three other com- Scarborough. “I don’t see why a bridge needs to be built,” said Kayla Williams, a resident who lives in a condominium near where News Tory candidate denies ties to Tamil Tigers the bridge is expected to be built. She believes it’s both a Janice yeung commemorating Heroes Day, costly and unnecessary plan. Briefs The Observer in memorial to dead Tamil Ti- “Any building close to the ger fighters. RT is only minutes away,” she Police seek second Scarborough Southwest’s Paranchothy changed his said. “It’s not that big of deal federal Conservative candi- first name from Ragavan on for residents to walk an extra man in sex assault date Gavan Paranchothy has television to Gavan for the couple of minutes to access the Police have arrested one denied any connections to the election. He was nominated mall or RT.” man but are still looking for Tamil Tigers, a separatist or- as a federal election candidate The developer and the TTC a second wanted in a recent ganization formerly based in on March 12. blame one another for the de- sexual assault. A 28-year-old northern Sri Lanka. After cancelling a news lay and increasing costs of woman was allegedly sexu- The organization was also conference on April 14, he is- building the bridge, according ally assaulted by two men listed as a terrorist group sued a written statement. to city officials. in the area of Kennedy Road by Stephen “A recent The costs have increased and Eglinton Avenue East at Harper’s gov- media story heavily to an estimated around 3 a.m. last Tuesday. ernment in has made in- $1.7 million. 2006. sinuations That’s too much for Kris- It was re- that I am a Andre Smith, a Scarborough Assault case at ported Paran- supporter or resident of almost 20 years. chothy was sympathizer courtesy gavan Paranchothy “If the condo had enough Vic Park Station in charge of of the Libera- traffic and enough people us- Prime Minister Stephen Harper (right) insists his gov- organizing a tion Tigers of ing it, it might be okay. But Police are appealing to the ernment has a strong position against the Tamil Tigers tribute to the Tamil Eelam also, I would factor in how public for their assistance and has listed the group as terrorist. He denied mak- Tamil Tigers I absolutely (LTTE),” he much it would cost: $1.7 mil- with an investigation into ing comments about candidate Gavan Paranchothy. an assault at the Victoria that was also condemn said in the lion is definitely not worth it Park subway station. The broadcast on statement. “I for a few minutes of conve- suspect is described as hav- televison last terrorists must make checks should be made before Stefan Dixon, Green Party nience,” he said. ing a very-light-black com- year. and clear that it a candidate is chosen to run candidate in the same riding, De Baeremaeker told the plexion, 6 feet tall, wearing a The Toron- is not true for federal office. said the incident reflects the meeting the developer is will- black coat and a dark toque. to Observer terrorism and that I “The media was asking a Green Party being able to ing to give the city $850,000 contacted — Gavan absolutely valid question,” she said. “It play a better role in global in exchange for not proceeding Parancho- “ condemn ter- all started with him chang- peacekeeping initiatives. with the initial plans to build thy and his Paranchothy rorists and ing his name. The media has He agreed with Simson the bridge. Some projects De Medication lost, campaign terrorism.” the right to delve into issues that candidates should show Baeremaeker indicated the manager Bret Liberal in- brought up by candidates run- more clarity about their past. funds could go to include the harmful if ingested Snider, but cumbent Mi- ning for public office.” “All candidates should be civic centre library, the Cliff- very forthcoming with their A prescription bottle of Oxy- they did not chelle Simson Scarborough Southwest crest Community Centre, the contin was lost in the Eglin- respond to the in Scarbor- NDP candidate Dan Har- history because this shows Scarborough Walk of Fame, ton Avenue East and Brimley allegations. ough Southwest said she has ris said there are not enough their integrity,” he said. Thompson Park Tennis Club Road area on Saturday, In November of last year, no first-hand knowledge of proven facts for him to proper- “This clearly shows that and the Centennial Commu- April 9. The medication Paranchothy was host of a Paranchothy’s past. ly comment on his competitor there is a lack of transpar- nity Centre. could be fatal if ingested, es- television program on Tamil She also said it is absolutely Paranchothy’s rumoured con- ency in the Conservative pecially to children. Vision International television fundamental that background nections to the Tamil Tigers. party.” See more at torontoobserver.ca The East Toronto Observer, April 22, 2011 - PAGE 3 NEWS Trudeau encourages youth to vote Grow-op aakanksha tangri busts The Observer

If young people want a voice, they should join political parties higher and vote, star Liberal candidate mersiha gadzo Justin Trudeau said Monday The Observer while campaigning in Scarbor- ough-Rouge River. The number of marijuana grow-op busts in 2009–2010 Trudeau, son of former prime in Scarborough increased by minister Pierre Trudeau, was at 52 per cent over the previ- the Chinese Cultural Centre for ous year, police documents a rally hosted by first-time can- show. didate Rana Sarkar. Last year, 93 grow-ops were found in Scarborough, In the last federal election, up from 61. only 37 per cent of Canadians That same period has seen between the ages of 18 and 24 a 25-per cent increase across voted. Trudeau said he hopes Toronto: 248 grow-ops they will come out in larger were found in Toronto, up from 199 in 2009 and 140 in numbers this time. 2008. AAKANKSHA TANGRI/The Observer “Young people would rather More police officers have join Me to We, or Greenpeace or The Liberal Party’s candidate for Papineau, Justin Trudeau (right) was in Scarborough-Rouge River to campaign for been assigned to deal with Amnesty International than sign first-time candidate Rana Sarkar (left). Incumbent Derek Lee (centre) was also there to lend support to Sarkar. drug-related issues in recent up to be a member of a political years, Const. Wendy Drum- mond said, which accounts party,” he said in an interview. CEO of the Canada-India Busi- low-income they going to make progress for the dramatic rise in the “That can change because as ness Council, stressed how im- Trudeau, the families — that without fighting each other?” number of busts. young people start voting, they portant it was for youth and new Grit candidate Young people is to help fami- Trudeau also took a dig at “It’s one of our service start making their voices heard Canadians to vote. for the Quebec would rather lies cover the the Conservative government, priorities,” Drummond and therefore their concerns “It’s such an amazing thing riding of Pap- costs of higher calling it the most secretive, said. “Resources have been matter in a very real way to poli- when you go to someone’s door ineau, pitched join Me to We, ... education,” controlling, vindictive and ma- dedicated to eradicating and help reduce drug-relat- ticians. and they say, ‘I just became a the Liberal than sign up to Trudeau said. nipulative government Canada ed crime. “Politicians will start re- citizen, this is the first time I’m Learning Pass- York Uni- has ever had. “Because we have more sponding to those issues.” going to vote,’ ” he said. port to the stu- be a member of versity student “When RCMP officers kick officers, we’re able to do Derek Lee, who stepped As a student, Sarkar worked dents, many of Vithusan Ram- kids out of Conservative ral- more work and [are] able down after 23 years as the rid- with Lee and credits the experi- whom told him a political party achandran said lies because of pictures on their to dismantle more operations.” ing’s MP, was also supporting ence for his interest in politics. they would vote — Justin he wants to Facebook that show them with Police released a list of Sarkar’s campaign. “The most important set of in this election. know what the Michael Ignatieff, that’s an grow-op addresses under “In some ways, my departure skills that I learned in all of that “A thou- Trudeau new govern- abuse of power,” he said. “That access-to-information laws. and his arrival is a very con- time came of this foundational sand dollars a ment will offer is un-Canadian.” “ See more at torontoobserver.ca spicuous generational change period of working with Derek,” year for four to young Ca- Sarkar, Lee and Trudeau also that reflects the importance of he said. “These are learning how years for every nadians. “What answered questions from the youth participation in politics,” to turn ideas into real things and student attending university or will they do about taxes, student audience on youth participation Lee said. that’s what you learn when you vocational school or college; debt and job employment?” and encouraged them to “just Malvern Sarkar, former president and get engaged in politics.” $1,500 a year for kids from Ramachandran said. “How are get out and vote.” welcomes Ash trees in serious decline from beetles Taibu

Jessica Lee about roughly 2002 to 2003. “beautiful” and because they Company, trees can cost any- To help the public with the Kayla Kreutzberg The Observer [It] came over from China. grow quickly. where from $1,000 to $2,000 cost, the City of Toronto will The Observer The emerald ash borer is “I think [the public] will to remove. waive the tree-cutting bylaw, In 10 years, 80 percent of a narrow, hairless, metallic be dismayed,” he said. “A lot “It depends on the size and which comes with a $100 ap- the trees in Guildwood Vil- blue-green beetle. “It’s ter- of Scarborough, for example, location [of the tree],” Ber- plication fee and mandates The sounds of African lage will be gone, Toronto rible. The value of those ash a lot of the subdivisions that trand said. an arborist examine the tree drums rang in the official parks and recreation chair trees are about a billion dol- were built 30 or 40 years ago City council decided to be cut. opening of the new Taibu Norm Kelly says. lars,” Kelly said. now have beautiful, mature April 12 that Toronto is go- “It’s an unexpected cost Community Health Centre That’s because they’re ash “So all we can do is tell ash trees on the boulevards. ing to cut down for the city and for property for the black community trees and are under attack by people, ‘Hey, this is what’s “Well, they’ll be gone in the ash owners, and we’re going to and Malvern residents on a foreign enemy. going to happen.’ Some 10 years.” trees. have to find the mon- Wednesday evening. “In 2007, we picked up neighbourhoods are going to “It’s going to take a ton of Kel- ey that isn’t “This is a community the existence of the emerald be devastated.” money to take the trees down ly esti- be- health centre, so we are pro- ash borer,” Kelly said. “This Kelly estimated there are and it’s going to take a ton of mated viding primary health care, is a little tiny beetle about about 804,000 ash trees in money to replant.” the cost health promotion, disease a quarter to a half an inch Toronto. Many were planted According to Lorne Ber- to take all prevention and community that landed on our shores … 40 years ago because they are trand of Eastern Tree Removal the affect- development programs for ed trees ing used to cope the community here in Mal- down will be at least $1 bil- with this,” Kelly vern,” said Liben Gebremi- lion. said. kael, executive director at “Right now we don’t have It costs $100–$200 to plant Taibu. “We also mandate to the money for it,” he said. a new tree through Local En- provide program services for “We are already three quar- hancement & Appreciation of the African and Caribbean ters of a billion dollars in Forests (LEAF), a non-profit population. debt, so this couldn’t have organization “dedicated to the “It’s geographically based come at a worse time. We protection of urban forests”. but it’s population-focused, will need to get help from the Tom Sachdeva, a real es- so we are based in [and] serve other two levels of govern- tate agent who has been sell- all the residents in Malvern, ment. ing houses in the Guildwood but we also have a special- There are some weapons area for the last seven years, ized focus on the black com- the city can use to combat the is facing a different set of munity across the Greater bug in the strongest ash trees, problems. Toronto Area.” Kelly said. “Once the trees are gone, Taibu opened in 2008. “We’re going to try to save nobody’s going to buy,” he It was temporarily located the healthiest and the most said. “That’s what’s keeping across the street from its new jessica lee/The Observer prominent ash trees on public the values high in Guildwood. location, now at 27 Tapscott Emerald ash borer beetles are eating the leaves of Ash trees in Guildwood Village property, but everything else And it’s a mature community Rd. See more at torontoobserver.ca while its larvae bore through the bark of the tree eventually resulting in death. goes,” he said. with a lot of trees.” PAGE 4 - The East Toronto Observer, April 22, 2011

HEALTH CARE CRIME ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

“I believe in a one-tier public “I want to work with govern- “We need to transition to a “Establish a new Early Child- health care system. I strongly ment agencies to rid Scarbor- low-carbon, high efficiency hood Learning and Care Fund believe that you should use ough-Agincourt of marijuana economy. Canada needs to that will begin with $500 mil- your health card, not your grow-ops and meth labs.” act now on clean technolo- lion in the first year.” JIM KARYGIANNIS credit card.” gies.”

“I will support the principles “Canadians agree that the “We will support economi- “The Conservative Govern- of the Canadian Health Care justice system should not put cally viable clean energy ment has increased transfer Act and will ensure that the the rights of criminals ahead projects that will assist re- payments substantially. We provinces carry out what is of the rights of victims and gions and provinces in the have also taken action to pro- mandated.” law-abiding citizens.” replacement of fossil fuels.” vide support for students.”

HARRY TSAI* AGINCOURT

“We would like to have a na- “We need more community “We need to focus on find- “I think that everyone should

SCARBOROUGH- tional assessment program policing and we need police ing good, clean energy. The have access to education. to help people get accredited to make connections and be a NDP’s Climate Change Ac- I think it should be afford- in their field in Canada.” presence in the community.” countability act was shot able, and subsidized in many down by the Conservatives.” cases.” NANCY PATCHELL

*Taken from party platform

HEALTH CARE CRIME ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

The Liberals will collaborate The Liberals will mandate a A Liberal government will The policy initiative anchor- with provinces and health national task force to exam- provide the leadership re- ing the Liberal Canadian professionals on quality and ine systemic causes of vio- quired for Canada to make Learning Strategy entail near- innovation. lence against women with an a successful transition to the ly $3 billion in new federal JOHN MCKAY* emphasis on prevention. prosperous cleaner economy. funds over the first two years.

“Certainly the Harper Gov- “If you defraud people of “The environment is also “In terms of universities and ernment is committed to money and hard earned sala- about business, we have to community colleges, the gov- maintaining the 6% in fund- ries of working class Canadi- be very critical that we don’t ernment of Canada has to put ing that has been placed in ans, then you deserve to do let our hearts speak for our resources into research and health care.” the time.” pocket books.” grant programs.”

CHUCK KONKEL

GUILDWOOD “The NDP Health Care plan “We will work to keep com- “We will work to ensure “We will make post-secondary means more doctors and munities safe by investing in Canada becomes a leader in education affordable by attack- nurses to help the five mil- community-based crime pre- investing in renewable en- ing tuition costs with a designated SCARBOROUGH- lion Canadians who do not vention initiatives.” ergy and ensure public transit $800 million transfer to prov- have a family doctor.” investments are a priority.” inces.”

DANIELLE OUELLETTE Also running in this riding is Alonzo Bartley (Green Party) *Taken from party platform

HEALTH CARE CRIME ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

“We will invest $1 billion “No one disagrees that crimi- “We will support a Green “The Liberal Learning Pass- to allow family members to nals must be punished but we Renovation Tax credit with port will provide a post-sec- take time off from work to also need to look at the sys- a goal of retrofitting over 1 ondary bursary of $1,000 a RANA SARKAR care for sick loved ones.” temic issues behind crime.” million homes by 2017 to year over four years for every lower energy consumption.” high school student.”

“We will push the Conserva- “I believe that criminals have “We will work with the other “We will expand the student tive platform regarding no to be deported if they are here levels of government to push loan program and help for public funding for abortions in Canada illegally.” the Clean City Project.” part-time students. We need and introduce an adult fitness more facilities to engage tax credit.” youth.”

MARLENE GALLYOT

“We need a hospital in the “There is white-collar crime “We have been spearhead- “We need to invest more into

ROUGE RIVER riding as well as reducing the that is happening that is being environmental issues for post-secondary education. Tu- cost of prescription drugs. ing shoved under the rug. We years before the Green Party. ition fees should be dropping. SCARBOROUGH- We need to recognize foreign will focus on youth redevel- Turning Rouge Park into a I am against flat fees for edu- creditials for doctors.” opment programs.” national park is a good idea.” cation.” RATHIKA SATSABAIESAN Also running in this riding is George Singh (Green Party) The East Toronto Observer, April 22, 2011-PAGE 5 ELECTION PREVIEW

HEALTH CARE CRIME ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION “Health care should remain “I [want] to retain the long- “We currently have a govern- “I want post-secondary edu- universal. My party wants gun registry. There is a way ment that hasn’t addressed cation for students with the to provide an increase in to approach crime other than anything. It is long past time grades to go. There is no bet- funding to the healthcare just locking people up and to get real about saving the ter investment than educa- michelle Simson system.” throwing away the key.” planet.” tion.”

“The Conservatives are com- “The Conservatives want to “A national conservation “The Conservatives want to mitted to a universal public crack down on human smug- plan will be established that provide loans and mentoring health care system and the gling and strengthening the will facilitate the creation of to young entrepreneurs and Canada Health Act.” Canadian Armed Forces.” new protected areas, national double the work exemption parks.” for Canada Student Loans.”

Gavan Paranchothy*

“More doctors cut the num- “We need to attack the root “Cutting subsidies for large “We need to improve access SOUTHWEST ber of unnecessary emergen- causes of crime. Now is not oil producers will help us to to post-secondary education cy room visits, which saves the time to build many new fund more green initiatives to by improving grants and low- SCARBOROUGH money.” prisons and fill them up.” protect our environment.” ering tuition fees.”

dan harris Also running in this riding is Stefan Dixon (Green Party) *Taken from party platform

HEALTH CARE CRIME ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

For Liberals, universal ac- A Liberal government will The Liberal Party says they The Liberal Party platform cess to quality, timely care improve the long-gun reg- need to better manage our says direct financial support regardless of your ability to istry so that it better serves environmental footprint lo- to families for higher educa- pay, and regardless of which police, Canadian long-gun cally, regionally, nationally tion is needed. John cannis* province you live in. owners and rural Canadians. and internationally.

In conjuction with the prov- A re-elected Conservative The Conservative Party The Conservative Party will inces, allow for a mix of pub- government will expand wants to strengthen their ef- extend support for the Canada lic and private health care de- consecutive sentencing to of- forts to restore degraded Youth Business Foundation. livery, as long as healthcare fenders who commit sex of- ecosystems and reintroduce remains publically funded. fences against children. native species.

Roxanne james* CENTRE

The NDP platform includes The NDP wants to hire more The NDP wants to adopt Improving access to child investing in more family police to protect your com- the climate change account- care and post-secondary edu- doctors and nurses, and ex- munity and recognizing local ability act to ensure Canada cation. SCARBOROUGH panding care for seniors. heroes. becomes a world leader in renewable energy.

Natalie hundt* Also running in this riding is Ella Ng (Green Party) *Taken from party platform

HEALTH CARE CRIME ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

The Liberal Party platform The Harper government’s Canadians have world-lead- The Liberal Party platform wants universal health care ‘tough on crime’ rhetoric is the ing experience in natural re- feels that saving for post-sec- for all Canadians. furthest thing from the open source development, gained ondary education is critical in DAN McTeague* and honest debate we need to over generations in energy, the 21st century. create safer communities. agriculture, forestry.

The Conservative Party’s The Conservative platform The Conservatves believe The Conservatives will help platform says that all Cana- wants to make sure our streets that the quality of the envi- every family with the costs of dians should have reasonable are safe through new laws to ronment is a vital part of our college or university, so your access to quality health care. protect children and the el- heritage to be protected by kids can be ready for the jobs derly. each generation for the next. of tomorrow.

Corneliu chisu*

“There are distict areas in “To control crime we need “Environmental protection “Canadian students deserve PICKERING- Canada’s health care system to start with our children. We should start in communities high-quality, affordable edu- that requires change such as need to provide support sys- such as tree-planting activi- cation. Tuition fees have in- Canada’s physiotherapy pro- tems to help families.” ties. We need a greener econ- creased by nearly 20 per cent gram.” omy.” over the last 4 years.” andrea moffat Also running in this riding is Kevin Smith (Green Party) SCARBOROUGH EAST *Taken from party platform PAGE 6 - The East Toronto Observer, April 22, 2011 The East Toronto COMMENT OBSERVER Snap out of it, Canada

anada is in a strange position right now. The world sees it as bland, boring and predictable. In a lot of ways, we are all of those things, and there’s nothing wrong with that. StabilityC never hurt anybody, right? Wrong. Young Canadians have become used to living in rela- tively the same world regardless of whether Conservatives or Lib- erals are in power. There’s still universal healthcare, the buses still run and Tim Hortons continues to serve mediocre coffee. No one touches issues young people talk about, simply because the youth are split. One side is complacent in the world they live in. The other side consists of radicals with no chance of pushing their agenda. University students come out every year on Nov. 5 to protest against rising tuition fees but in reality, the Drop Fees rally is just an excuse for a large number of people to get high together downtown. Similarly, student union representatives meet with politicians and allow themselves to be wooed but only around election time. That is what’s going on today on our campuses. Candidates schmooze students, who are then so starstruck over a famous politician visiting their campus that all they get out of the event is a blurry cellphone picture and an unnecessarily excited Facebook update. These same students then proclaim their die-hard support for the Liberals or the Tories. In reality, when they go to conferences for politically engaged youth, they all come back with the same stories of finding “exciting networking opportunities” — that is, make out with other students. Do these students regularly visit the websites of the political parties they claim to support? No. Political engagement is simply a fad that engulfs them every four years or so. Canadian youth need to realize their country is not in a state of turmoil like Egypt. They can ask and get whatever they want from their government, as long as they don’t do it G20-style. Jessica Lee/The Observer A university student recently told me he refuses to vote because he thinks four years is not a long time for one government to make any significant change, so “Why bother?” He is just one example. Apathy, not obesity, is the epidemic taking over North America, at least on this side of the border. Scarborough’s devotion to the A solution some student unions have come up with is a vote mob. Large groups of students get together and literally mob their local election offices to be heard by candidates who rarely target them. On the other hand, these mobs are meeting up on days leading Liberals: Why change it now? up to May 2. But, there’s no guarantee students who come out with their friends to cheer for extremely vague causes will also vote. his opinion piece is supposed to Scarborough Centre’s Cannis lis- proceed riding by riding, break- tened to his constituents after calls for — Maryam Shah ing down the issues to endorse tougher criminal laws, as he supported Tcandidates this paper believes can best a bill to tighten auto theft and property serve Scarborough. crimes. We have the issues before us and we But we cannot simply look at what Small steps are know where each candidate and party these candidates have done for their stand. ridings. We must look at the alterna- But to go through each riding one James Wattie tives. According to polls, that means the by one would be a waste of space and Conservatives. working better time. make: Stay the course with the Liberals In Scarborough-Southwest, the Con- There is only one party that has ben- or vote against those that have run this servatives offer us Gavan Parancho- ith Earth Day approaching, communities around efitted Scarborough for the past decade area for more than 10 years. thy. Paranchothy has changed his name the city are gearing up to make over their neigh- or so, and they have the record to prove John McKay, Dan McTeague, Jim (and multiple online personas) to rid bourhoods — for at least 20 minutes on any it. Liberals own Scarborough, much as Karygiannis, Michelle Simson and any mention of his ties or television Wgiven day. they do a majority of the Greater To- John Cannis have earned one more broadcasts paying tribute to the Tamil The Malvern community has several events to show it’s ronto Area. term to serve their respective ridings. Tigers, a terrorist organization as de- doing its part to keep Scarborough clean. Liberal candidates have maintained Scarborough-Rouge River will greatly clared by his Conservative government. These small community efforts are arguably much better control over this area for a reason. In miss the leadership of Derek Lee, but The Conservatives do not understand than larger-scale events hoping to raise awareness about the past it was due to the party’s views it has a suitable and qualified replace- what Scarborough wants, needs or de- global warming, such as Earth Hour. on immigration. ment in Rana Sarkar. Sarkar worked serves. The event this year was a bust, with little effort by people Some say that is not the case any- under Lee and is prepared to step into The Liberal streak must continue to dim or switch off their lights. more. Some say other parties are speak- the role of MP. if this area is to prosper and rid itself Toronto Hydro reported energy consumption during Earth ing more in line with the ethnic com- Scarborough-Southwest’s Simson of the inaccurate reputation it has gar- Hour went down 115 megawatts. munities that make up Scarborough. became the first federal politician to nished. Sounds good right? Until you compare this to the year But from Malvern to Rouge Val- put her expenses online for all to see Scarborough must remain red and before, where there was a 296-megawatt decrease. Maybe ley and Miliken to Guildwood, Scar- and dissect, continuing her support of hope the rest of the country votes in a colder temperatures played a part, or maybe people just aren’t borough’s residents have a choice to an open and transparent government. similar fashion. buying into a one-hour “show of solidarity” toward such a large cause. When smaller communities decide to clean up their act, The East Toronto OBSERVER they make a bigger impact. EDITORIAL BOARD The East Toronto Observer Serving Scarborough is published by University Sure, their efforts aren’t going to be recognized worldwide, Managing Editor: Maryam Musharaf Shah of Toronto/Centennial College journalism students under faculty supervision. We are located at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre. Please but for every area the Malvern Community Coalition cleared Assignment Editor: Janice Yeung up last week, they affected their community much more than address correspondence to The East Toronto Observer, c/o Centennial College, Copy Editors: James Wattie, Kayla Kreutzberg 755 Morningside Ave., Toronto, ON M1C 5J9, 416-289-5000, ext. 8306, fax 416- turning down their lights would have. Photo Editor: Cole Carruthers 289-5168. Email: [email protected] The opinions expressed in Production Editor: Yeamrot Taddese The Observer do not necessarily reflect the views of the college. A companion — Natalie Sequeira Faculty Editors: Eric McMillan and Andrew Mair website is at torontoobserver.com. The East Toronto Observer, April 22, 2011 - PAGE 7 SPORTS Sports Briefs Sprinter donates to Special Olympics Akinremi to train four athletes competing in Athens this June Students win $5K MERSIHA GADZO each in Scrabble The Observer World-class Canadian sprint- Alex Li and Jackson Smylie er Okiki Akinremi competed from Jack Miner Senior on the international stage for 17 Public School won $10, 000 years. He has been ranked one in an international scrabble of the world’s top 20 sprinters, match in Orlando, Fla. last and has trained with some of the weekend with the word best coaches in the world. “carnate” for 87 points. Li Now as a trainer himself, and Smylie beat more than Akinremi is passing down his 400 students, including knowledge by donating a series reigning champions from of training sessions to four ath- Windham, N.H. letes competing in the Special Olympics this June in Athens. The Special Olympics is L.A. King assists dedicated to enriching the lives of those with an intellectual dis- in game against ability through sport. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Scarborough native Wayne Shriver, what first started out as Simmonds has entered the a summer camp has now grown NHL playoffs for the second internationally to include nearly time in his young career. 3.5 million athletes. The defenceman for the “I think she did an amazing 7th-place Los Angeles Kings Courtesy alyssa fraser/ duet public relations thing and I think that her legacy registered an assist in the will definitely carry on,” Akin- Special Olympics athletes pose with trainer Okiki Akinremi at his Explosion Fitness Resolutions studio in Scarbor- team’s 6-5 overtime loss to remi said. “I’m happy to be a ough. From left to right: Monique Shah, Marianne Scharf, Akinremi, Christina Judd-Campbell and Catherine Partlow. the Sharks April 19. part of it and I’m happy to be able to give back to the athletes their technique. Along with One per cent of all Canadi- have a new sense of belonging. mother said, without these orga- any way I can.” training with their regular coach- ans are born with an intellec- “So many people know about nizations, athletes wouldn’t be Volleyball veteran Through Motionball, a Ca- es back at home, they meet with tual disability. Special Olympics Paralympics but nobody knows able to do their best and show nadian organization that raises Akinremi once a month and do Canada has so far supported 10 about Special Olympics,” other people what they can do. commemorated funds for the Special Olympics, exercises to improve their speed per cent of that number thanks to Etherington said. “So, to have “A lot of times, the instant Akinremi has volunteered his and prepare themselves for funds. But, as Paul Etherington, an Olympic athlete [Akinremi] assumption is what people with The 2010 Ontario Sports time to help train the athletes the Olympics. co-founder of Motionball says, tell his story and help train some intellectual disability cannot do, Award ceremony took place at his own fitness studio, Ex- Christina Campbell, who will there’s still a lot that needs to of the Olympic athletes, it’s whereas the Special Olympics Thursday at the Ontario plosion Fitness Resolutions in be competing in gymnastics be done. incredible.” gives athletes an opportunity to Place. Sylvia Jacksetic, pro- Scarborough. says she’s been training hard, “It’s a massive issue,” Paul Motionball, founded in 2002 demonstrate what they can do vincial officials committee “I think the Special Olympics trying to improve her flexibility, said. “By support we can enrich by the Etherington brothers, is well,” Campbell said. chairman, of the Ontatio is a great thing for athletes that and she hopes to bring home their lives and help them to be- entirely volunteer-based and has “We appreciate Okiki taking Volleyball Association re- have special needs,” Akinremi five gold medals. come more active members of so far raised more than $2 mil- the time. He’s done a great job ceived the Syl Apps Awards said. “It’s a great way for them “I think Okiki is a really great society. lion for the Special Olympics. and he’s shared his skills and for her “dedication and to compete on the world stage inspiration to all special-needs The Special Olympics helps Through their fundraising events expertise with the girls and as years of service to the OVA and get the exposure.” athletes and he’s a great inspira- athletes not only physically, but held across Canada, they plan a result has really given them and volleyball community Akinremi helps the athletes tion for other athletes as well,” socially and emotionally as well. to donate $1 million annually an extra push and kick start to in Ontario.” (three of them sprinters, one a Catherine Partlow, a gold-win- It offers them a chance to be a by 2014. their training, and for that we’re rhythmic gymnast) improve ning track star said. part of the community and to Kathy Campbell, Christina’s grateful.” Stingers baseball paves way for Canadian talent

Kyle larkin just as exciting as the nation’s ball’s popularity declines. greater number of people. sire and raw talent, and we give The Observer favourite sport. However, in recent years, Colin Cummins has also ded- them the tools to developing But the growth and support Scarborough has taken large icated his time to local develop- good skills-and then the most With the grudging end to the of baseball in Toronto has been steps towards building a prom- ment, opening his own baseball gifted will take those things to hockey season, April brings lethargic. Aside from hockey, ising future for baseball in To- training facility in Scarborough a higher level beyond the ball with it a new sport for Cana- sports such as soccer, basketball ronto. Eight years ago the Scar- last month. Cummins has also fields of Scarborough,” Dennis dians to anticipate. For many and even cricket have received borough Stingers were formed, run summer camps since 1998. said. Torontonians, baseball can be more support annually as base- and have grown continually “The [MLB] strike in 1994 The formula has worked so since. damaged baseball in Canada. far, pumping out high school “There are now more than Athletes However, influences such as prospects such as Caleb King 100 kids playing baseball for Justin Morneau, Jesse Crain and Mitch Triolo on a yearly the Stingers, and our coaches bring us and Russell Martin, have given basis. Former Stinger Brian LINGUISTIC LARKS report that more kids are show- Canadian baseball a boost over Piper currently plays US colle- With the letters ing up at try-outs every year,” their desire the last couple of years,” Cum- giate baseball. given, guess the said Greg Dennis, chairman of mins said. With the dramatic improve- horizontal clues. and raw Category the Scarborough Stingers As- “ “Joey Votto’s MVP season ment of baseball development Work your way to sociation. last year has really given Cana- systems, Canada’s current num- the vertical clue. talent The Universe The Stingers have fielded dian baseball a huge kick.” ber of 20 MLB athletes will al- P U AAA teams at every level. — Greg Dennis Votto, born in Etobicoke, most surely rise. And when it They’ve added three AA teams is the second Canadian to win does, people like Dennis, Gallo A R I O N this season, and foresee more program will be measured by MLB’s MVP in the last five and Cummins deserve praise. additions in the near future. our success in developing play- years, and is complementing “The day will come soon E I M Dennis envisions more than ers as well as our competitive- the resurgence of baseball in enough that a Major Baseball Unscramble the just having fun. ness on the field.” Toronto. League player will be able to H B circled letters to “The number one thing The Stingers emphasize the As a member of the Toronto credit his early development form the final we want to do is improve the importance of developing the Baseball Association, the Sting- to the Scarborough Stingers,” answer. Stingers program itself, with skill set of kids who live in ers work harmoniously with the Dennis said. This band shares a increased coaching clinics and Scarborough. Clinics, held by York Simcoe Baseball Asso- “And I look forward to the name with a U.S. state instruction for the players,” he Frank Gallo, director of base- ciation and the Eastern Ontario day when a former Stinger toes said. ball operations, are provided to Baseball Association to mature the rubber or digs in to hit for By Kyle Larkin “We stress fun and funda- help nurture young talent and young athletes. the very first time at the major mental development, and our create a brighter future for a “[Athletes] bring us their de- league level.” PAGE 8 - The East Toronto Observer, April 22, 2011 ARTS & LIFE Shania Twin doubles the fun

andre “I loved her [stage pres- sounded horrible,” Dennis “I said I was going to do thurairatnam ence],” Scott said. “I really said with a laugh. this for about three years The Observer liked what she was wear- “But, she said that and have some fun and ing too. She had the whole somebody else there said then I’ll move on,” Hu- Shania Twin — looking getup. It was that she ber said in an interview like the real Shania Twain great.” looked the day before the Smilin’ from top to bottom — took Lori Dennis, like Jacks show. “That’s really the stage singing “Man! I an old friend Shania what I thought. I never Feel Like a Woman!” of Huber’s, Twain,” expected to sing. I wasn’t Twin, otherwise known was also at the she add- thinking music back then. as Donna Huber, brought Saturday night ed. “So It wasn’t in my brain at her Twain tribute act to show. she got a all. Maybe in the shower, Smilin’ Jack’s Bar and Grill It was the karaoke but that’s it.” at 3482 Lawrence Ave. E. first time machine Now, 15 years later, she Saturday night. they’d crossed She keeps and prac- said she’s enjoying paying “I couldn’t even tell it paths in more ticed and homage to one of her fa- was not Shania Twain,” said than 10 years. the practiced vourite artists. Jordie Scott, a Scarborough She recalled … until And, it seems, so are resident at the show. being with audience she was her fans. He wasn’t exaggerating. Huber the mo- ready “What sets her apart is Everything from her tall, ment she was “really enough her overall performance, black leather boots to the struck with the involved to make the energy she brings,” trademark Twain hairstyle idea to pursue the deci- Scott said. “She keeps the made the performance feel a performing — Jordie sion to do audience really involved. close to the real thing. career. this.” A lot of other bands just Huber’s high-energy “We went on Scott Before go out there and sing, but show had the entire crowd vacation with starting she’s a full package of en- — a mix of fans and Smi- some friends to the act in tertainment.” Andre Thurairatnam/The Observer lin’ Jacks regulars — on Nashville. She went in the 1996, Huber had experi- For a list of Huber’s the dance floor till the wee Barbara Mandrell recording ence singing in a choir but tour dates, check out her During the first of three sets at Smilin’ Jack’s Bar and hours of the morning. studio and did karaoke. She never as a lead performer. website, shaniatwin.ca. Grill Saturday, Donna Huber sang familiar Shania tunes. Arts Briefs Chess fever Local libraries promote I bet I can date strategic board game her and you can’t alex kozovski ing the club back in June 2009. The Scarborough Village The Observer “The goal is to expand the Theatre is performing the program to every province in Broadway hit Guys and Dolls. Yuanling Yuan is quickly Canada,” said Yuan, a student It tells the story of a bet be- becoming the queen of Toron- at Victoria Park Collegiate In- tween two men over who c ourtesy charles weiss to’s chess community. stitute. can date Sister Sarah Brown The 17-year-old chess The program is well on its of the Save-a-Soul Mission. Scarborough Arts member Charles Weiss poses with a wood-carving of a Northern prodigy is Canada’s top female way to doing just that. Show times are April 28 – Pike. His work is on display at the Bluffs Gallery until the end of April. chess player, was the youngest Already spanning across 17 May 13 at 8 p.m. and May 1 Women International Master Toronto libraries, Chess in the – 14 at 2 p.m. chess player ever, and is now Library has expanded to librar- For ticket prices visit Fishing for inspiration spreading the game of chess ies in Calgary and Victoria. theatrescarborough.com throughout the GTA. The goal of the program is to Chantelle henriques school, he worked on a bass bicoke in 2006. Chess in the Library, a stu- promote the game of chess, The Observer sculpture “There is a dent volunteer-run program, through casual games for the Flea market 30 inches in gathering of arts was founded by Yuan in hopes beginner, and Chess Federa- Nestled in a corner on length. people here in of spreading the conservative tion of Canada (CFC) rated coming Saturday Kingston Road in Scarbor- Weiss Scarborough that game across the GTA. games for the experienced. ough, the Bluffs Gallery is says paint- are very differ- At least for now. A flea market and rum- easy to spot with its bright ing fish has ent from the art Yuan has a specific goal in S ee torontoobserver.ca mage sale will be held at door painted to look like a always been groups in Etobi- mind, unwavering since start- for more on this story Christ Church Scarborough butterfly. of interest to coke.” Village on Sat. April 30 from It is local artist Charles him because Program co- 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Every- Weiss’ newest addition to the things that I was ordinator Ben one is welcome to attend the Bluffs gallery that catches the live in water Lopes says the annual sale. eye of many. It is a painting are a source inspired most interest- named ‘Northern pike chas- of beauty to ing thing about ing a perch.’ him. by the ‘Spring Fever’ is Sing your heart Weiss grew up fishing with “Ever the uniqueness his father around the Kawar- since I was a world and variety of and soul out tha Lakes and Georgian Bay young lad, I “ pieces. below the areas. was inspired “It’s a really On May 1, the Bel-Canto “My experiences while by the world water interesting broad singers, a community choir, fishing are a great thing for below the mix of pieces. will be presenting their an- me as an artist. It allows me to water,” he — Charles You have tra- nual concert, Songs for the make accurate observations,” said. Weiss ditional type of Heart and Soul at 2:30 p.m. Weiss said. Weiss be- works like land- The concert will take place Weiss’ work on display at came a mem- scapes and floral at St. Dunsten of Canterbury the Bluffs Gallery is an oil ber of the pieces. But then Courtesy Chess in the Library Church located at 56 Lawson painting. He also special- Scarborough Arts committee you have psychadelic, ab- Yuanling Yuan competing in the 39th Chess Olympiad Rd. izes in woodcarvings. In high when he moved to from Eto- stract pieces,” he said. in Russia, representing the Canadian Women’s Team.