Greek Spirit Good Despite Bad Economy York

ww The East York BLASTING OFF WITH LEGO n A boy and his Ninja storm-ship OBSERVER Page 3

Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 44, No. 5 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, April 3, 2015

n POLITICS Liberals kick off election campaign

By DANIEL GOLDSMITH The Observer

The federal election is still more than six months off, but you wouldn’t have known it from the rally that took place last Sunday, March 29, at the Ted Reeve Community Arena just outside East York’s southeast corner. About 100 Liberals from the Beach- es-East York riding gathered to help their candidate for this fall’s federal election officially kick off his campaign. He’s Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, and he told the crowd that “public transpor- tation and infrastructure spending” are the biggest issues facing Canada in the build-up to this October’s election. Beaches-East York MPP Arthur Potts and former Ajax-Pickering MP Mark Sanjeev Wignarajah /// The Observer Holland both gave speeches in support Flipped out of Erskine-Smith, with the former labeling him as an “idea man” and “the A multiple-vehicle collision on Wednesday morning at Broadview and Danforth avenues left a dump truck progressive alternative” to the Conser- flipped on its side. Police said the cause of the collision is unknown and no one was hurt. vatives. Erskine-Smith will be going up n COMMUNITY against the NDP’s incumbent MP Matthew Kellway and Conservative nominee Bill Burrows for the seat in the House of Commons from Beaches-East Greek spirit good despite bad economy York. This is Erskine-Smith’s first run at ‘It’s freedom day. We’re have endured, I think they are go- public office. He touched on a num- ing to be fine. They need a little bit ber of issues in his speech, and in a strong nation,’ says of patience and time.” an impromptu Q-and-A session with Since 2010, Greece has received supporters, he took time to snipe at Greektown resident two large aid packages from the the Harper government while also By JONATHAN COSTA International Monetary Fund, a addressing immigration, education and The Observer group of 188 countries working the environment. to secure financial stability in the “Our politics should be about ideas, The parade was beginning to world’s different economies. not just winning elections. We are so take shape, as thousands lined up Newly elected Prime Minister divorced from an idealistic political along the Danforth to clap and Alexis Tsipras has clashed with system…. I struggle to come up with wave Greek flags. the European Union, stating that a single issue that the Harper adminis- Greektown resident John Galak- massive bailout debts need to be tration has really addressed in the last topolous was among them — com- restructured, because “without in- nine years,” Erskine-Smith said, going ing out to celebrate his heritage tervention they are impossible to on to call for “major investment into last Sunday, March 29. pay.” infrastructure and education.” “It’s freedom day,” he said. Nevertheless, on a day of cel- In a post-speech interview with the “That’s what it’s all about. We are Jonathan Costa /// The Observer ebration, Greektown residents Observer, Erskine Smith listed trans- a strong nation.” More than 15,000 people attended this year’s Greek watching the parade along Dan- portation and infrastructure spending More than 15,000 people lined Independence Day parade along the Danforth. forth Avenue were optimistic as “the most important issues that the the Danforth, between Jones and about their homeland. federal government can address.” Chester avenues, to watch the and Ward 29 Councillor Mary is more than 300 billion euros in “We need to pull our socks up “Municipal governments are overbur- Greek Independence Day parade. Fragedakis. debt. Overall unemployment there and work our way out of it. We dened by the cost of public transporta- It commemorates the Greek rev- Despite the fact that the day is estimated between 20 and 25 per need to give the youth a chance,” tion,” he said. olution, which freed Greece from acknowledges Greek strength in cent, and youth unemployment is John Galaktopolous said. “In our “The least the federal government the Ottoman Empire to become a winning independence, Greek- estimated between 60 and 65 per time we had better opportunities. can do is provide them a stable third of nation in 1832. town residents such as Vasilios cent. This next generation is going to support.” The parade included Toronto Daskalakis realize that modern “It’s bad,” Daskalakis said, “but have a real hard time. Things are dignitaries such as Mayor John Greece faces another battle: the knowing Greeks and what they difficult, but we need to keep push- n See LIBERALS, page 8 Tory, Premier Kathleen Wynne severe governmental debt. Greece have come out of, and what they ing on.” 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, April 3, 2015

POLICE & WHAT’S FIRE UP IN E.Y. Pair sought after Get your game violent robbery on at the library Police are looking Young people for two men in aged 11-18 are in- connection with vited to challenge a violent assault their friends and and robbery themselves at an that occurred on afternoon of gam- March 17 near ing through video the corner of games or board Greenwood and games. The event Danforth ave- will be held at the nues. Police say S. Walter Stewart two men stabbed library branch, an unidentified 170 Memorial victim who made Park Ave., on Mon- several attempts day, April 13 from to escape from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 the altercation. p.m. For more The pair also stole information, call personal property 416-396-3975. from the victim. They’re now wanted for robbery, forcible confine- Observer file photo Planting a talk ment, possession Donna-Lynn McCallum shared a laugh with former East York mayor Michael Prue (right) after re- The Leaside Gar- of property ob- ceiving an East York Bulldog Award in 2010. den Society’s tained by crime, April meeting will theft of under feature a special $5,000, assault, speaker on native assault with a Selfless citizen honoured plants and the weapon and popularity of them threatening death. Woman recognized building she had a role in sav- East York and the city of To- omous “Metro Toronto” mu- in Toronto. Paul Police are looking. On March 24, a shadow ronto.” nicipalities into the ‘megacity’ LaPorte is a GTA ing for Darrin posthumously for box full of mementos from The two became friends of Toronto that the provincial Greenbelt resident Wickens, 29, and McCallum’s life was unveiled over their mutual love of the government of Mike Harris and the past pres- Taso Antipas, 45, her volunteer work in conjunction with the Agnes East York community. forced in 1998. ident of the North both residents of American Native By CHRIS DeMELO Macphail Award ceremony. “I’ll confess to you today — In fact, her home was still Toronto. Anyone Plant Society. His The Observer “Donna was a very proac- I probably wouldn’t confess carrying a sign saying ‘Say No with information tive, a very loud, but a very this in 1998-99 when I was on the MegaCity’ at the time presentation is is asked to call Donna-Lynn McCallum is respectful voice — by con- still in high school,” VanDette of her death. at 7:15 p.m. this police at 416-808- remembered for the remark- veying and making her case said. “I was skipping school McCallum wasn’t just an coming Thursday, 5500. ably selfless life she lived. known. The East York Civic to go to those meetings. I was activist and volunteer, but also April 9, at the The ever-dedicated resident Centre was a very important just very fascinated by the an avid photographer. Some Leaside public li- of East York was recognized piece of land to the commu- government debates and pub- of her photos are still retained brary branch, 165 Teen stabbed in posthumously last week for a nity,” said Justin VanDette, a lic issues.” by the NDP caucus at Queen’s McRae Dr. Thorncliffe Park lifetime of giving to her com- friend of McCallum. McCallum was a staunch Park. munity. “I met Donna-Lynn Mc- opponent of amalgamation Donna-Lynn McCallum died ~ Sanjeev Police are looking The event took place at Callum in 1997-98 during the — the merger of East York at the age of 69 on May 29, Wagnarajah for an assailant the East York Civic Centre, a amalgamation debate between and the other formerly auton- 2013. after a 15-year-old male was stabbed twice in his torso at around 11 a.m. Pedestrian safety campaign raises awareness on March 23 in a parking lot off By NICOLE DAWE older. He said the older the population, Overlea Boule- The Observer the greater the risk of fatality. vard. According to “It takes them more time to react Det. Jeremy Gray, David was in such a hurry to get to to protect themselves and it’s harder the victim fled to work that he almost didn’t make it. for them to recover from an injury be- a nearby Popeye’s “All I was thinking was how angry cause their bodies are more frail,” he chicken restau- my boss would be if I was late for my said. rant, in the Thorn- shift,” said David, who asked that his Marlena Lee-Katinov, walking on cliffe Park Plaza. last name be withheld, in a recent in- Danforth Avenue recently, said she He was taken to terview. worries for the largely older popula- hospital, where He was in a rush to catch a bus on tion of East York. he was reported Pape Avenue when he ran across Car- “There are a lot of mid-blocks and as conscious with law Avenue from behind a parked ve- a lot of older people use them regular- non-life-threat- hicle. And he barely escaped being hit ly,” she said. “All it takes is for them ening injuries. by an SUV. File photo from Fotolia to step out a little too soon, or for a Two schools near “Their car just missed, probably by distracted driver to not see the flashing the scene of the four or five inches,” he said. “Looking “We will be paying close attention it’s a good opportunity to speak to amber lights, and their lives could be stabbing, Marc back at it now, being late would have to crosswalk violations, intersec- them and try to curb risky pedestrian over.” Garneau Colle- been better than not making it at all.” tion-related offences, jaywalking and errors before they become habits,” he Stibbe said this is why it is import- giate Institute and As of March 24, Toronto had re- mid-block crossing locations; these said. ant for pedestrians and drivers to pay Valley Park Middle corded 11 traffic fatalities in 2015, are definite areas of concern when But he also acknowledged that attention. School, were put with nine being pedestrians — six it comes to pedestrian safety,” said traffic safety is a year-round concern: “Everyone makes mistakes... so as under a hold-and- more than this time last year. Const. Clinton Stibbe. “Awareness should not end when the a pedestrian, make sure you have the secure order. In response to the increase, the He explained that the campaign kids go back to school. They’re not the eye contact of the driver before step- Toronto police launched a March was timed to coincide with the school only ones at risk.” ping out, even if you have the right of ~ Brandan Kajioka pedestrian safety campaign to raise boards’ March break, due to increased Stibbe said the nine pedestrians way,” he said. “We need to work to- and Amil Delic awareness about the increase in traf- pedestrian traffic and risk. who have died in Toronto traffic in- gether when we’re on the roads, not fic fatalities involving pedestrians. “More youth are on roadways... so cidents this year were all 50 years or against each other.” The East York Observer /// Friday, April 3, 2015 FEATURES 3 n COMMUNITY Singing the praises of diversity Aga Khan Museum ‘the perfect venue’ for concert featuring multicultural, interfaith musicians

By RIDA TALPUR The Observer

East York’s own Aga Khan Museum hosted a special event last month to celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity through the power of music. Diwan Saz is a classical music group from Israel with multicultural, interfaith members. Their goal is to promote peace and unity, and above all, illustrate a side of Israel they say has not always been reported. So they’re on a world tour to promote that climate of tolerance. “We connected by the music,” said Tzipporah El- Rei, one of the star vocalists in the group. She said the group consists of members that are Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Bedouin — who all play various in- Kelsey Cheng /// The Observer struments such as the Saz (the instrument their group is named after) and who all have impeccable, high- Joshua Casino is ready for lift-off with his Ninja storm-ship. He built it out of LEGO at an area note-reaching, vocal talent. They play music that they library branch’s LEGO Club, which meets on the last Tuesday of every month. say is inspired by ancient Sufism and folk songs from Jerusalem. “The message was being conveyed through the art,” said Amirali Alibhai, the head of performing arts at Building smiles at LEGO Club the Aga Khan Museum, which is located on Wynford Drive. By KELSEY CHENG said. companied by their babysitter Monica, He said he was proud to host the event and added The Observer Last September, when Teresa Taizzo have come to the LEGO Club since the that it shows the strength of diversity — while ac- and Liza Villanueva organized the pro- program started. knowledging that some people might find it surprising For Joshua Casino, outer space is as gram at the Jones library, they hoped to "They love LEGO. And there are more that a centre for Islamic culture would host an Israeli close as the local library. attract children 6-12 years of age. kids here, so it's more fun," Monica said. musical troupe. In a special room dedicated to the "We wanted it to be a safe and welcom- "LEGO… lets them use their imagination Eric Stein, director of the Ashkenaz Festival — a LEGO Club — at the Jones branch of ing place for them to come after school,” to create something." festival of Yiddish and Jewish culture and the orga- the public library, just below East York’s Taizzo said, “and for them to learn and In the middle of her own LEGO con- nization that helped put the event together — said he southern boundary — Joshua's mother have fun.” struction project, Rachael Lorius spot- wouldn’t have it any other way. Lisa Casino asked what he’d made with They promoted the program to schools ted her friend, Sophie, and the two be- “It’s the perfect venue…. The medium is the mes- his LEGO pieces. and daycares in the neighbourhood, and gan collaborating on an elaborate home sage. This venue was as much as communicating what "Ninja storm-ship," the youngster said. the program grew. Now, more than 15 model. It even has an outdoor barbecue the concert was about as the group itself.” The LEGO Club is organized by the To- children and their parents or guardians patio. He said the museum and Ashkenaz sought to break ronto Public Library across 17 branches... show up for an hour of play time at the “They're so into it; it's so cute," laughed down barriers from all religious perspectives, and including Thorncliffe and Riverdale. It library every month. Monica, watching the four busy children therefore collaborating was in everyone’s best inter- meets on the last Tuesday of every month. "LEGO is one of those classic toys. It at work. ests. This week, Casino brought her son to the promotes science and technology practic- Based on the response from parents and “The museum is not just for Muslims,” Alibhai said. LEGO Club for the first time. es as well as teamwork,” Taizzo said. “It's children at the Jones library, Taizzo and He said it offers learning opportunities for everybody "He's already asking if we can come the a great resource.” her team would like to expand the LEGO in all cultures, races, and religions. next time, and I already said, ‘Yes,’" she Benny, Julia and Rachael Lorius, ac- Club into a daily program. Pan Am Games a chance to be recognized: Gosal “In our country, we don’t ap- “Any time you host a Games, it Games in 1930 in Hamilton. contribute $65 million to the op- Minister of sport preciate younger athletes as much inspires a generation of Canadi- The Pan Am Games have giv- erating and maintenance costs of says games will raise as we should,” Bal Gosal told a ans,” he said. en Ontario an opportunity to these facilities, Gosal said. group of sports journalism stu- Gosal likened the opportunity to develop new sports infrastruc- With the national recognition profile of Canadians dents at Centennial College’s East the emergence of tennis superstars ture to be used by athletes, and of hosting the Pan Am Games, as York campus on Carlaw Avenue. Milos Raonic and Eugenie Bouch- following the Games, the host well as the new infrastructure be- By PATRICK RAIL The Pan Am Games will be held ard, who have raised the profile of communities. ing developed, the question arises: The Observer in Toronto and across southern the game in Canada. “Ontario is lacking facilities,” Could Toronto be in line to host a Ontario July 10-26. Gosal believes that the Pan said Gosal, in response to a ques- future Olympic Games? Canada’s minister of sport vis- Gosal, the Conservative MP for Ams will have the same effect on tion about why Quebec athletes “It’s always a possibility,” Gosal ited East York late last month and Bramalea-Gore-Malton, said the amateur athletics and their com- are sometimes more successful said. said he thinks the forthcoming Pan influx of 7,000 athletes from 41 petitions. than those from Ontario. “The GTA is a prime place Am Games are a unique opportu- countries participating in 36 dif- “National recognition raises the To make the Pan Am facilities where you can host” the Olympics, nity for Canadian amateur athletics ferent events will raise the profile profile of amateur sports,” he said. sustainable after the Games, the he said — adding there have been to get mainstream recognition at of Canadian competitors, as well Ontario hasn’t hosted an event of federal government has created the no serious discussions about a pos- home. as excite young athletes. this scale since the British Empire Sports Legacy Fund, which will sible bid. 4 ARTS & LIFE The East York Observer /// Friday, April 3, 2015 One woman’s quest for gender equality One of the most powerful ways to show what Journalist, human rights happens to women in developing countries is activist Sally Armstrong through photojournalism, she says. Unfortu- nately, many photos are often not published says the ‘earth is shifting’ because the content is too hard for the average reader to look at. By NAZANEEN BAQIZADA “We always want to cover up what happens The Observer to women,” she said, “because we don’t want to address the fact that some men want to hurt Women have been fighting for equal rights women.” for centuries. Once when Armstrong was walking down Some risk their lives every day when they try an alleyway in a little village in Bangladesh, to reveal the injustice done to other women in she met a young woman who had been terri- places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, bly beaten and burned. She had skin hanging Bosnia and Afghanistan. One of these women is from under her breast because her husband had journalist and human rights activist Sally Arm- thrown boiling water at her. Armstrong wanted strong. to show the world what had happened to her by In 2013, she wrote in her book, Ascent of publishing her photo, but her publisher would Women, that the earth is shifting and change is not let her. happening for women. “I think publishing the photo would have Two years later, Armstrong still holds this made a strong statement about what people do belief. On March 23, she sat down with three to people, and I think it’s different than publish- journalism students for an interview at Centen- ing a photo of a child who has died from hitting nial College’s Story Arts Centre in East York. the ground from 17 floors up,” Armstrong said. “The change is here,” said Armstrong, who “My wish was to make a statement about vi- recently returned from Afghanistan. While olence. My wish wasn’t to show the horror of there, she was called everything from ‘whore’ a burn.” to ‘infidel’ to American spy.’ “What we do with Another tool that is very effective is social the change is going to be the next challenge. media, she said. Armstrong believes Facebook We’re not at the finish line.” and Twitter will do much for women’s rights On March 19, an Afghan woman named and help things move faster. Farkhunda was murdered by a mob of men. She One of the qualities someone must have in was beaten, thrown over a bridge, burned and order to travel to all these war-torn places is then thrown in the river for allegedly burning strength. Armstrong has seen many horrible the Quran, which turned out to be false. things during her trips, but has always felt Photo courtesy of Sally Armstrong “It’s a horror story, a tragedy, but it’s prog- grateful for the opportunity. ress,” Armstrong said. “It captured the people Sally Armstrong is pictured here during her 2009 visit to the Nyanzale “I pay people $30 a night to let me stay in there the way the Jian Ghomeshi story captured displaced persons camp, in the war-torn African nation of the Democrat- their house, tent or mud brick place,” she said. the people here.” ic Republic of Congo. “Even though my coat gets mucked up with the Protests happened all over the world in the kerosene burner, I’m lucky because I get to see wake of this incident, especially in Kabul, they had the presidential election, 75 per cent “I don’t care if you bring in Jack the Ripper,” these things happening.” where it triggered unprecedented public out- showed up knowing some dopey Taliban could Armstrong said. “If it’s going to bring equality, While all women may not have the level of rage. President Ashraf Ghani even called for a shoot them.” fairness and justice to women and girls, I don’t rights they deserve, every action taken to fight special inquiry. Armstrong says anyone can help bring about care who says it.” for it is one step closer. “We tend to look at the country as a fail- change, no matter who they are are what they Armstrong believes anyone who sees injus- “You’ve taken a hammer to the wall and ure, but almost nine million kids are back in do. Actress Emma Watson is one of the people tice happen and does nothing about it is guilty. you’ve made a chip in it,” Armstrong said, “and school,” Armstrong said. “Life expectancy who took a stand last year and helped launch the To her, the expression “innocent bystanders” is every time you hit it, you weaken the wall, and has gone from 42 years to 62 years, and when UN Women campaign HeForShe. an oxymoron. ultimately the wall will come down.”

Sanjeev Wignarajah /// The Observer A brush with the egg-straordinary Freya McInnis-Hogarth, 6, concentrates on creating the perfect design. She took part in Todmorden Mills’ Easter egg painting workshop last weekend, ending up with a personalized Easter egg created using traditional “wax-resist” techniques. The East York Observer /// Friday, April 3, 2015 FEATURES 5 Keeping skates sharp a labour of love for pair By AMIL DELIC The Observer

When the children from St. Brigid Catholic School line up in the hallway at the East York Arena, they can thank Angelo Moutoulas for the day’s class skating trip. “I love the community. I love being at the rink,” Moutou- las said. “Whenever you can do something positive, do it.” For several years now, Moutoulas and his son George, at The Real Edge Pro Shop, have volunteered their time and talent to St. Brigid as skate-sharpeners, all to the delight of teacher Dennis Moulds. The skating trips were easy to arrange, but many of the students didn’t have their own skates. So, with the help of a few teachers, parents and the East York community, the Woodmount Avenue school was able to collect used skates fairly quickly and ship them off to Moutoulas for his expert touch. “(Moutoulas) arranges for a hockey bag full of our skates to be sharpened and (he has always) refused to ac- cept any payment,” Moulds said, adding that Moutoulas’s services are valued in the hundreds of dollars. With school and government budget cuts increasing an- Sonya Nov-San /// The Observer nually, volunteers have become more of an asset to many Students bite into Ontario-grown apples at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in East York. This neighbourhoods across the GTA. event was part of FoodShare’s “Great Big Crunch” program. The goal was for everyone to bite into “I realized years ago that if the volunteers don’t exist, an apple at the same time in an effort to promote food literacy. there really (aren’t) many people there to help out in the community,” Moutoulas said. But he also understands the bigger picture of his efforts when working with youth. One giant bite for kid-kind “When you are young and people volunteer to spend time helping you develop, it makes a difference,” he said. By SONYA NOV-SAN of Fatima Catholic School, at the point made by the Great in doing more can come be The East York Arena had its origins in the early 1950s The Observer East York’s eastern edge, to Big Crunch event. trained and take that informa- thanks to the “dedication and hard work of many volun- bite into Ontario-grown ap- “We strongly believe in tion back to their school and teers,” according to the arena’s webpage. Sixty-years-plus Meredith Hayes was riding ples. healthy living and the impor- their community.” later, according to teacher Moulds, this still holds true. home from work on the sub- “(We tried) to make the big- tance of promoting nutrition In another FoodShare event, “Many people put in the time for the good of the kids way when the idea struck her. gest crunch we could,” Hayes for our students,” she said. Grade 2 and 3 students gath- and the community,” he said. “I bit into an apple and ev- said. “Participating in the Great Big ered at the FoodShare location Many of the kids whose skates Moutoulas has sharpened erybody kind of stopped and FoodShare’s “Great Big Crunch allowed our students (at Bloor and Brock streets) over the years at the East York Arena continue to come looked at me,” she said. “I Crunch” program kicked off to enjoy healthy food… and for a concert and participato- back and get them done by him. realized it was actually pretty nutrition month with more appreciate all the hard work ry activities to highlight food “They still come back and get their skates done at East loud…. All eyes were on this than 130,000 students regis- our Ontario farmers do to keep literacy. York, and still say their thank-yous and be appreciative of crunchy, loud woman.” tered online to participate in us healthy.” Activities included making that,” he said. The impact of the moment the city’s eighth annual syn- Katie German is a senior healthy snacks, worm com- Whether he’s helping out with the Janet Davis skate, helped Hayes, FoodShare’s chronized apple crunch. The co-ordinator at FoodShare. posting and learning about proving some sort of gift baskets or sharpening skates for schools and nutrition manager, event promotes food literacy She and her team try to pro- nature connections such as the children at St. Brigid, Moutoulas recognizes a com- conceive of a way to draw a lot and highlights the year-round mote food literacy and help birdcalls. mon thread. of attention to her program. At availability of Ontario apples schools obtain affordable local Apple farmer Don Werden “Many people… go unnoticed in the community for the precisely 2:30 p.m. on March and vegetables. produce. and MPP Cristina Martins work they do,” he said. 12, students, musicians, vol- Alyssa D’Angelo is a core “We also offer educa- demonstrated their Great Big unteers and guests gathered in French teacher at Our Lady of tor training,” German said. Crunch technique by biting the gymnasium at Our Lady Fatima and strongly supports “Teachers who are interested into fresh apples.

The wonders of watercolours

The S. Walter Stewart library branch hosted this painting and other work by four East York artists at a March art exhibit called “Awesome Images.” The painters were Alan Breeze, Gail Gregory, Nola McConnan and Jenny Reid — all members of the Toronto Watercolour Society. But although the library exhibit closed at the end of March, the society is holding its big spring show across town, at the Neilson Park Creative Centre, 56 Neilson Dr., Etobicoke. The show opens on April 21 and runs until May 10. Infor- mation: torontowatercoloursociety.com Amil Delic /// The Observer George Moutoulas has been volunteering his time and talent to St. Brigid Catholic Reproduction by Kimberly Naipaul /// The Observer School for years. 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, April 3, 2015 n EDITORIAL CARTOON n EDITORIALS Lifting the veil Observations... With a strong Muslim constituency in neighbourhoods like Thorncliffe Park (where, for example, the Islamic Society of Toronto is headquartered), there’s been considerable discussion in East York around the niqab — and some intolerant, “un-Canadian” ideas shared across the country… from the top on down. Conservative MP Larry Miller was especially vocal with his stance on the controversy. He recently went on CFOS radio in Owen Sound to tell Muslim women who wear the full veil over their faces “to stay the hell where [they] came from.” He later apologized. Miller’s comments came after Prime Minister Stephen Harper disagreed with the Feder- al Court’s decision to permit the niqab during citizenship ceremonies — and he even went as far as to claim the niqab is “offensive” and “rooted in a culture that is anti-women.” A recent Leger poll found that a surprising number of Canadians share similar opinions. In fact, 70 per cent of voters agreed that the niqab is anti-women and nearly a third of them were offended by it. In this fiasco of a discussion, one question remains at the forefront of our minds. Why are some of us so against the niqab? Is it because the niqab is “imported” and therefore inherently not Canadian, even though this country prides itself on its supposed multiculturalism— a case of ‘we versus them?’ Is Canada having an identity crisis? Apparently it is, according to Harper: “Their” culture is anti-women, Canada’s is not. At the same time he, ironically, gave unsolicited fashion advice to women who choose to don the veil. Nour Bakr, a Muslim woman, disagrees with Harper. Although she doesn’t wear one, she said the niqab is “rooted in a culture that believed that a woman is so precious, like a diamond, that no one is good enough to see her without her permission. Women have the freedom to choose what they do.” On one level, there are legitimate concerns. Niqabs can be security risks, but niqabis will and do remove their veils at airport security or whenever they need to confirm their identities. And many Muslim Arab countries follow similar practices. However, they shouldn’t be required to do so in settings such as the citizenship ceremony. The ceremony is just that — a ceremony. Niqabis remove their veils prior for identification purposes. Harper’s argument is weak at best. What opinion does he have on a topic that is integral Rob Catherwood for the Observer News item: Councillor Rob Ford continues a tough cancer fight, with best to the Muslim community and in the lives of certain women, neither of which he is a part wishes from Torontonians; council anticipates his hoped-for recovery and of? Blame it on ignorance, but no one has the right to tell niqabis, or any women for that return to the fray — to vex the East York delegation and other ‘lefties.’ matter, what they can and can’t do or wear. Instead, the Canadian government should work with the Muslim community to address its concerns. This isn’t cynicism. It is criticism. We want what’s best for Canada because we love this n COLUMN country. Stop being blinded by overzealous patriotism and offended by something that has no direct impact on your lives. Instead, recognize the problems that manifest in this country and fix them. And wearing a niqab at the citizenship ceremony is not one of those problems. A clean slate for spring ~ Wing Kei Lam Have you become sick of other task. figure out what you are ready winter? Well, your cure has Sometimes the best approach to part with. Just take some arrived. is an actual plan of attack. If deep breaths and stick to your Except for the biggest you are unsure of what needs decisions. If you are unable to Hydro bills heat up mounds in the mall parking to be done first, make a choice, try making a lots, the snow has melted — write a list. That “maybe” pile and leave it Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli announced a few changes to Ontario’s hydro prices on and the formerly cold, crisp may help you to alone until you are in a Thursday that are set to take effect next Jan. 1. The changes are an attempt to lessen the air has been transformed remain stress- better frame of mind to financial load of lower-income households — like those concentrated in certain neigh- by sun-driven warmth. free. (Because, take another shot. Do bourhoods of East York. However, the Liberal government’s plans still do not address the After another hard winter, remember, this is not keep items that no alarming rate in which hydro costs are rising for all Ontarians. spring has finally arrived. As an exciting task, longer fit you. Yes, we The plan includes the elimination of the Debt Retirement Charge, which is a $38.1 of today, it’s been official for not an annoy- all know the famous billion debt left behind by the former Ontario Hydro utility. It’s a debt that Ontario resi- two weeks. But as we take ing chore. Or phrase, ‘I’ll lose the dents have been paying since 1999. According to Chiarelli, this will reduce hydro bills by off our winter coats, it’s time so I tell my- weight and wear it approximately $6 a month. That’s good news, right? However, they also plan to eliminate to put on our dusting aprons. self.) again soon.’ Well, the Clean Energy Benefit, a 10-per-cent rebate that provided an average monthly reduc- Time to begin spring clean- Make sure why not just toss tion of $17 on all hydro bills. Not so good. ing. you have gath- those jeans that are a Chiarelli also announced the enacting of The Ontario Electricity Support Program, Spring cleaning can defi- ered all of the few sizes too small which provides an energy discount to low-income customers. The program states that nitely feel overwhelming, necessary tools — and allow room lower-income households (below $50,000 annually) are eligible for a $20-$50 discount especially since many of us to get your for the new clothing per month. Those who don’t qualify for the discount will have to pay approximately 70 have let things get a little out- spring cleaning that you will end up cents more a month, depending on how many apply for the discount. of-hand around the house. But done in an orga- purchasing. With new It’s laudable that low-income households and families are finally getting the help they don’t fret; I’m about to share nized fashion. Start seasons, come new state- need. And a 70-cent increase is not the worst of the problem. But is now really the time some essential tips to help with tape, boxes and ment pieces anyway. to single out low-income residents when monthly energy costs are expected to continue you get started with your own garbage bags; these Above all: Remain calm. rising to an even more unaffordable level? warm-weather cleaning blitz. items are the best sup- This will be a big job. But The average Ontario hydro bill is currently about $150 per month, or $1,800 per year. The best place to start is the plies to help you sort the sooner you start in, the Hydro costs rose by over $2 just last November. And according to Ontario’s long-term kitchen. Then bathrooms and through what you are sooner you’ll finish. And energy plan in 2013, monthly hydro bills are expected to rise even higher to $193 by closets. Don’t get frustrated. keeping/storing/discard- the closer you are to feeling 2022. That’s a pretty heavy burden for Ontarians to carry. Even harsher winters and global Plan to take some time. (Be ing/donating. really refreshed and ready to adjusment will continue to contribute to these rising costs. prepared to spend more than Sometimes it can be truly embrace spring with With the three program changes, Chiarelli expects the bills of higher income households just an hour.) The most import- a difficult decision to open arms. to go up “less than $10 a month,” or (at the very least) $120 a year. The question is wheth- ant thing to keep in mind is to er these “higher” income households can really afford it. start in one place, and finish Lataevia-Ceianna Kemp ~ Shelby Morton there before moving onto an-

The East York The East York Observer is published by Centennial College journalism students at the East York cam- FACULTY EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR PRODUCTION EDITOR pus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. Mailing address: Ted Barris Lataevia-Ceianna Kemp Anussa Nithiyananthan P.O. Box 631, Stn. A, Toronto, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Stephen Cogan OBSERVER [email protected]. Telephone 416-289- Lindy Oughtred PHOTO EDITOR 5107, fax 416-289-5111. We welcome your input, Ummema Chutani including letters to the editor. The East York Observer /// Friday, April 3 , 2015 FEATURES 7

Photos courtesy of City of Toronto Archives The good — and bad — ole’ days The Observer continues its look back on East York history through photographs from the City of Toronto Archives. The photo on the left shows civic officials on an “annexation tour” of East York on April 4, 1930 — when East York was struggling financially at the outset of the Great Depression, and the municipality had approached the City of Toronto about a possible merger. The more upbeat, post-war picture on the right was taken on May 13, 1949, and is identified in the archives simply (and straightforwardly) as “East York student panel, five girls and two flags.” Toronto school board facing $16.5-M deficit Bleak March budget will result jobs that are left by people who resign or re- positions as well as 116.5 high school posi- tire. tions. in a loss of about 250 positions John Smith, president of the Elementary The statement also announced cuts to En- Teachers of Toronto, called the cuts a “mis- glish as a Second Language programs and By DANIEL GOLDSMITH take” in a statement on behalf of ETT, criti- special education funding. A total of 36.5 spe- The Observer cizing the budget for “diminished support for cial education teaching positions were elimi- East York’s senior public school trustee students in need.” nated, while ESL programs lost 93 positions. says it’s too soon to quantify the impact that Speaking about how the cuts would affect One of the TDSB’s three Newcomer Recep- the new school board budget will have local- East York, Ward 16/Beaches-East York trust- tion Centres will also close as a result of the ly. ee Sheila Cary-Meagher told the Observer cuts. The centres offer English language and But there are few rays of light for anyone that it is “far too early” to predict how the mathematics evaluations to students who are in the budget that the Toronto District School austerity will trickle down to neighbourhood new to Canada. Board passed at its March meeting. Among schools. The board also discussed partnering with its provisions is the loss of about 250 jobs Cary-Meagher added that there could also the Toronto Parking Authority to create a — hopefully through attrition rather than lay- be further cuts in the coming weeks when the revenue-generating program whereby down- offs. Ministry of Education releases next year’s town schools would rent out parking lots after The cuts were made to address a projected “Grants for Student Needs,” which provide school hours. $16.5-million deficit in the TDSB’s $3-billion funding for Ontario school boards. The TDSB currently oversees 595 schools operating budget for 2015-2016. TDSB chair- In a fact sheet released shortly before the in Toronto and approximately 246,000 stu- man Shaun Chen said that the board hopes to board’s budget meeting, the TDSB revealed dents. The board estimates that there will be n avoid letting go of anyone by simply closing that the cuts include 98 elementary teaching 2,000 fewer students enrolled in 2015-’16. CARY-MEAGHER College president unveils plaque for murdered women By VERONICA AGUDELO CORREA tending school.” go in Canada, but also we are do- The Observer The most important thing for them ing a lot better than many across the Centennial College has ensured that is to explore their talents and live a world,” Deschenes said. the students at its East York campus full life, Buller added. “We are a college that believes in, will always have a reminder of the “This plaque talks about our val- teaches and tries to live our global women’s rights movement — in both ues and the commitment to create a citizenship values,” Buller said. “We its brightest and darkest moments. culture where the differences can be choose not to ignore, but to engage.” At a March ceremony observing reconciled without violence,” she Buller finished her speech by say- International Women’s Day, staff and continued. “A culture where men and ing that post-secondary students and students packed a hallway and col- women will stand up and say there faculty members everywhere in Can- lege president Ann Buller unveiled a will be no more abuse against women ada should remember the courage of Veronica Agudelo Correa /// The Observer plaque that remembers by name the Ann Buller unveiled a plaque in memory of the 14 women and children.” the 14 women murdered that day in 14 women murdered by a deranged murdered in 1989 at Montreal’s École Polytechnique. Centennial’s associate vice-pres- Montreal by providing safe environ- misogynist at the École Polytech- ident of human resources, Yves De- ments where people can have free- nique in Montreal on Dec. 6, 1989. ence and reflect on how lucky we are she said it’s also important not to lose schenes, said that as a father of two dom of expression. Her remarks focused on both the to be in this place and in this time,” sight of feminism’s progress. daughters, he’s keenly aware of the “Canada’s institutions must reflect heights and depths of the women’s she said. “Think about what you can “For women and girls, our place need to embrace the values of equity our values and our vision for our rights movement. do to help other women.” of birth has a profound impact on and take action in that direction. He country, which means they should “I would say celebrate, be proud…. While she stressed the importance our opportunities and ambitions,” also said Canadians should under- allow for debate, and freedom of ex- Know that you are part of a commu- of remembering the women who died she said. “In many parts of the stand the privileges they have. pression, and ideally, understanding nity that makes an incredible differ- in the so-called Montreal Massacre, world, girls are prohibited from at- “Certainly we have a long way to and compassion,” Buller concluded. 8 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, April 3, 2015 Liberals kick off fall campaign Cont’d. from page 1

The federal Beaches-East York seat was once firmly held by the Liberals: Maria Minna represented the riding for six consecutive terms for the Grits before losing to Kellway in 2011. Erskine-Smith also revealed that early fundraising efforts for his campaign have been successful, saying that he had already built up a “$35,000 war chest” on his way to a target of $100,000. Matthew Kellway spent just under $69,000 in his victorious 2011 campaign. Born and raised in East York, Erskine-Smith has worked as a commercial litigator for Toronto firm Kramer Simaan Dhillon LLP since 2012. He earned a law degree at Queen’s University before Ryan Chatterjee /// The Observer Muhammad Masood Alam (right) received the 2015 Agnes Macphail Award for his volunteer work completing his post-graduate studies at Oxford. He re- with Toronto Police Services and the Canadian Association of Pakistani Origin. vealed in his speech that he is taking a leave of absence from litigating to focus on the campaign. Macphail ‘inspired’ award-winner The election is currently scheduled for Oct. 19. By RYAN CHATTERJEE Canadian Association of Pa- Lister said. alive. He talked about some The Observer kistani Origin to assist with Councillor Janet Davis also of Macphail’s memorable their community development spoke at the ceremony. She speeches as a politician and It was standing room only initiatives, as well as to fund- said she admires Macphail as called her a “absolutely re- as people gathered at the East raise for natural disaster relief someone who was not afraid to markable” woman. York Civic Centre on Tuesday in Pakistan. stand up for what she believed Macphail was the first wom- for the 22nd Agnes Macphail He previously sat on the in at a time when men domi- an elected to the House of Award ceremony. The award school councils for Thorncliffe nated the political landscape. Commons in 1921 and one honours someone who lives Park Public School and Marc “She was a feisty politician. of the first two elected to the in the former Borough of East Garneau Collegiate Institute. She spoke her mind, she stood Ontario Legislature in 1943. York who contributes out- The ceremony has been up in a world [that] at the time As MPP, she represented the standingly to the community. MCed for the last 15 years was extremely biased, patriar- riding of York East. This year, it was awarded to by Bob Lister, who won the chal,” Davis said in an inter- Macphail championed the Muhammad Masood Alam. award, along with his wife, view. “She was a true inspira- causes of human rights, peace, Alam said he’s “honoured” Elisabeth Lister, in 1998. List- tion for women who wanted to social justice, pension and to receive the award and “in- er enjoys being part of the entered politics. As an elected prison reform. She represented spired” by Macphail. Agnes Macphail Recognition representative, I feel she was Canada in 1929 at the League “Wherever I find some so- Committee to highlight people one of our trailblazers.” of Nations. cial injustice, I am always try- who have a positive impact in Others in attendance in- If Macphail were alive to- ing to help,” he said. the community. cluded former Beaches- East day, Davis thinks she would Daniel Goldsmith /// The Observer Alam volunteers with To- “It is a great way of promot- York MPP Michael Prue, say to “carry on and never ronto Police Service in 53 ing good people doing good who delivered the keynote apologize.” Nathaniel Erskine-Smith kicks off his cam- Division to increase neigh- things which is wonderful address. Prue said this event MacPhail died at the age of paign at the Ted Reeve Community Centre. bourhood safety and with the for the health of our society,” keeps Macphail’s memory 63 in 1954. East Yorker gives back to community, brings out the fans

By JASON SUTCLIFFE very passionate and very heart and The Observer soul on the team…. Maybe it’s the great relationship he has with his wife For a while, the bleachers at Stan and the kids, but I have just seen him Wadlow Park sat empty during East mature so much.” York Senior Baseball home games. Panagopka admitted he and Green Thanks in part to Adam Panagopka, didn’t always see things eye-to-eye. that’s changed. “Ever since I became a coach (how- “We brought that East York spirit ever) and we became friends outside back,” he said. of baseball,” Panagopka said, “I feel Now there are couples in the stands, like I am becoming the new Andrew parents and kids eating ice cream Green – his style, his way. So I really and cheering support for the team. A do look up to him.” fourth-place finish at provincials – Panagopka is a hard-working, blue thanks to volunteer coach Panagopka collar guy, living with his wife Andrea and the rest of the coaching staff – has and daughter Angelica in a modest a lot to do with it. East York house. He still volunteers “The parents will keep their kids time to the local baseball club. His behind and bring them to watch us social media handle “Mr. East York” play,” Panagopka said. “We brought seems appropriate. that love and fire back.” “I was born and raised here at Jason Sutcliffe /// The Observer Panagopka, 32, takes pride in being Greenwood and Memorial (Park ave- an East Yorker. After spending his It can’t be all about work. Panagopka (wearing the grey sweatshirt) takes a little time nues), running around with my close youth playing East York baseball, he out of practice to talk and joke around with the guys. friends that I played baseball with,” decided it was time to give back. It he said. “My four or five best friends I shouldn’t be surprising; he said he’s coached Panagopka in 1998 when It was an experience Panagopka re- “He was an important player on the know from mosquito or pee-wee (lev- had some positive examples. he was just 16 years old. The team gards as his best memory from base- team,” Green said. “I regret not taking el sports). One of them is my daugh- As a boy he was mentored by anoth- won the Ontario Summer Games, an ball. Green talked about knowing Pa- him the following season because he ter’s godfather and the rest of them er East Yorker, Andrew Green. Green Olympic-style tournament in Guelph. nagopka both as a player and a person. was a bit of a tough guy.... But he was were in my wedding party.”