HOCKEY for hospital Spring jazz The Scarborough Hospital raises UTSC muscians welcome a new money to buy defibrillators season with jazz tribute - See page 7 - See page 8 THE EAST OBSERVER • Friday• April 8 • 2011 • • PUBLISHED BY UTSC/CENTENNIAL COLLEGE JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SERVING SCARBOROUGH • •TORONTOOBSERVER.CA• Transit plan fails us: rep

Jessica Lee The Observer

Scarborough is getting the short end of the track in Mayor Ford’s new transit de- velopment plans, some local representatives say. “It’s a disaster for Scarbor- ough — an absolute disaster, “ Scarborough Coun. Glenn De Baeremaeker said. Baeremaeker estimates 80 percent of Scarborough loses out due to cancellation of the previous plan, Transit City. With premier Andre THurairatnam/The Observer Dalton McGuinty, Ford an- nounced on March 31 an Boogie the blues away $8.2-billon plan to start con- student Scott Ramirez leads crew of students in high-energy dance at the campus’s student centre. The event struction on Light Rail Transit was organized to promote school spirit and take the stress off before exams. to run 25 kilometres below ground on Eglinton Avenue to Kennedy Road and then be “partially elevated” from Kennedy to Scarborough City Centre on the existing Scar- Tories challenging Liberal borough Rapid Transit line. Provincially owned Metrolinx will finance this project. East end will suffer stronghold in federal election “If you live east of Kennedy station, you’re not getting any- Aakanksha tangri and Doug Peters ended a 14- view, Lee cites reasons such as thing,” De Baeremaeker said. james wattie year Progressive Conservative decreased voter turnout among “This is unacceptable. We need The Observer run in Scarborough East, now youth aged 18–24, proximity our fair share of the transit pie Scarborough-Guildwood. John to polling stations and disinter- and we’re not getting it.” Despite being a Liberal for- McKay took over from Peters est in the Liberal party’s plat- The Sheppard subway is to tress since the early 1990s, in 1997 and maintained the form or leadership. be extended east to Scarbor- Scarborough is expected to Liberal streak. Traditionally, the Liberals ough City Centre. It is up to be a battleground in the com- Dan McTeague has held have garnered the immigrant Toronto to find the $4.2 bil- ing federal election. onto the border riding of Pick- vote because of their policies lion to fund this plan. But it may still be slim ering-Scarborough East since on immigration and emphasis Scarborough Rouge-River pickings for Conservatives 1996. on multiculturalism. MPP Bas Balkissoon said the who are hoping to take ad- Incumbents are hoping the However, the Conservatives Ontario government provides vantage of the winds of conservative movement won’t are making a great effort to get funds to Toronto but cannot change that swept over Scar- affect their ridings. However, the immigrant vote through dictate how exactly the city borough to bring in right- all eyes are set on Scarbor- campaign ads and policies, plans to spend it. leaning Rob Ford as mayor ough-Rouge River this time Cochrane said. “We have to respect of Toronto last year. around. Derek Lee, who has According to Cochrane, [Ford’s] request,” he said. Some observers expect the been MP since the riding was many Scarborough residents “We have to work with the Liberal stronghold to survive created in 1987, has said he stand to gain from increased city.” in Scarborough. will not seek re-election. spending on social programs, Toronto will also have to “The question, of course, Running for the Liberals particularly childcare and deal with the $49 million lost will be whether they’ll do as Maryam shah/The Observer in this riding is Rana Sarkar, healthcare funding, where the for cancelling Transit City, well as they have in previous First-time candidate Rana Sarkar is running in president and CEO of the Can- federal government plays a said Bruce McQuaig, CEO of elections,” said Christopher Scarborough-Rouge River, the Liberal-held riding ada-India Business Council. If very important role through its Metrolinx. He told reporters Cochrane, University of To- considered most vulnerable to a Tory upset. any Scarborough riding is vul- spending power. last Thursday there may be ronto political science pro- nerable, it is Rouge River with “All of the parties realize that additional costs later. fessor. “Seat-wise, I suspect borough remained centre-left. Even when candidates have visible minorities composing immigrants will play an increas- The city will have to they will. Vote-wise, I’m not Some Grits have had a firm changed, Scarborough citizens 89 percent of the population. ingly important role in , change a $777-million con- as sure.” grasp on Scarborough for de- have chosen red time and time The voter turnout in the last not just in the economy and tract with Bombardier. Instead Since 1993, Scarborough, cades. Jim Karygiannis has again. federal election for Scarbor- society, but in politics as well,” of the 185 LRT vehicles the like many other suburbs, held onto Scarborough-Ag- Tom Wappel represented ough-Rouge River was 47.5 Cochrane said. city ordered, they now only voted Liberal in great num- incourt since 1988. Scarbor- Scarborough West since 1988. percent, the lowest in Toronto need 130. bers. Despite the rest of the ough Centre has been under The riding, now called Scar- and the seventeenth lowest in See pagea 4 and 5 for –With files from country shifting to the right the leadership of John Cannis borough Southwest, remains Canada. In a case study for the election coverage Yeamrot Taddese in the last few elections, Scar- since 1993. red with Michelle Simson. Canadian Parliamentary Re- by riding PAGE 2 - The East Toronto Observer, April 8, 2011 NEWS Karygiannis makes 8th run for MP Focusing on new immigrants, the budget and elderly care

Maryam shah migrant, has been the MP He took something that was a disaster, saying Harper only The Observer for Scarborough-Agincourt working and they dismantled brought it to Toronto for a since 1988, winning with 57 it.” photo opportunity. The room quickly filled per cent of the vote in the last Welcoming new immi- The campaign launch with excited volunteers rang- election. grants to the country is a brought together volunteers ing from teenagers to seniors. The veteran Liberal’s main priority the Conservative who have worked with him Some were seeing each other rival in the riding is Tory can- government is ignoring, Karygiannis before, some for for the first time in months. didate Harry Tsai. Karygiannis said. the last 10 years. They had gathered in Lib- Karygiannis told his sup- He also took aim at Prime Grade 12 student Tasha eral MP Jim Karygiannis’s porters his campaign would Minister Stephen Harper for Hari Sevranattan said she campaign office on March 30 focus on both local and na- hosting the G20 summit in signed on with Karygiannis’s to cheer him on as he official- tional issues, including the Toronto. team in 2008 at her cousins’ ly launched his eighth run for budget, elder care and immi- “When this guy is spend- request. the Scarborough-Agincourt gration. ing money like a drunken Now she’s working at the seat in the May 2 federal elec- “What’s his name again?” sailor on G8 and G20 and campaign office twice a week tion. he asked sarcastically. “Jason F35s, and he doesn’t care and said she’s made friends He strode into the room, Kenney, yeah. That’s the guy, about four years down the with everyone in the office. pausing for photographs and that’s the guy. My favourite line on the [health] accord, I “Jim’s a great guy, he helps Maa Ry m Shah/The Observer asking volunteers about their minister. have problems,” Karygiannis the community a lot,” she Liberal MP for Scarborough-Agincourt, Jim Karygiannis health and their families. “He cut $53 billion back said. said with a grin. “He always had his campaign’s grand opening last week. Karygiannis, a Greek im- from settlement services. He called the G20 summit calls me ‘Kiddo.’ ” 42 Division officer faces sex-related charges

Maryam Shah The Observer

Toronto Police have ar- rested one of their own for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy and having inappropriate relations with a 16-year-old boy. Const. Brandon Fraser, 24, appeared Courtesy of Scarbough Grace Hospital in court Scarborough Grace Hospital was blessed with a $3.1 million donation from an anonymous Scarborough family. last Tues- day at Old City Hall. He faces Anonymous $3.1-million gift sexual assault, sexual in- BrandoN Fraser terference and sexual buys hospital new CT machines exploitation charges. “We’re required to come up with sufficient evidence Mersiha Gadzo the years and is excited the is set to come in over the pictures, Mazza said. They could be done with chari- to charge and then it goes to The Observer gift will help the community, next three to five years. also give off less radiation table dollars. court, and they reach con- the hospital said. CT scanners — used to and operate faster. The hos- “What’s exciting is gifts clusions on whether or not Thank you. With the money, the hospi- quickly identify injuries in pital will be able to do more often attract other gifts. This he’s guilty,” Toronto Police That’s the simple senti- tal is set to purchase two new trauma patients, guide biop- CT scans per day, a huge is a significant step forward.” spokesman Mark Pugash said. ment behind an anonymous CT scanners for the Birch- sies, diagnose treatment for benefit for patients he said. Prior to this contribution, The 42 Division officer, donation of $3.1 million to mount and General cam- heart disease, and assess the Hospital volunteers raised $1 million had been the larg- who has seven months of ser- the Scarborough Hospital, puses, replacing outdated severity of tumours and can- about $60,000 through a car est single donation. vice with Toronto Police, was the largest it’s ever received. scanners. They’re expected cers — are used by nearly raffle, which will also go Mazza said he believes arrested March 28 by the To- “It’s obviously a very ex- to arrive in late fall or early every department in the hos- toward buying the scanners. this act of kindness could in- ronto Police Service profes- citing moment,” hospital winter. pital and are run 24 hours a Each scanner costs approxi- spire others to make similar sional standards unit. foundation president and The government of On- day. mately $1.3 million. choices. The allegations against Fra- CEO Michael Mazza said. tario pays for the hospital The new scanners will al- “$3.1 million is such a sig- “The more a community ser include sexually assaulting a “It’s exciting when you are operations, such as utilities low radiologists to make bet- nificant gift,” Mazza said. “It understands that they can im- 14-year-old boy between Janu- meeting with donors that and salaries, but equipment ter diagnoses with the clearer provides an example of what prove the healthcare of their ary 2009 and May 2009, and make [supporting their hos- purchases are dependant on hospital by investing in their participating in an “inappropri- pital] a very high priority. donations. The Scarborough community hospital, the bet- ate sexual relationship” with a “They’re very passionate Hospital often raises funds ter the hospital becomes,” he 16-year-old boy, police say. and care deeply about mak- for urgently needed medical This is a said. “Strong communities The allegations have not ing change and supporting equipment. build strong hospitals.” been proven in court. the program.” The anonymous Scarbor- significant step The donours will be meet- There may be more vic- The anonymous Scarbor- ough family is spreading forward ing with the hospital on a tims, police said. ough family decided to do- the donation over a period year-by-year basis to deter- Police are asking any- nate to the Scarborough Hos- of time. The hospital has al- — Michael Mazza mine what are the hospital’s one with information to pital out of appreciation for ready received $1.3 million. highest priorities are in terms contact Crime Stoppers at the service it’s received over The remaining $1.8 million “ of equipment. 416−222−8477. The East Toronto Observer, April 8, 2011 - PAGE 3 NEWS Student Strike looms for Canada Post killed Workers will strike if pay by car jessica moy rates and The Observer On March 24, Kathiha Gu- pension ruparan stepped off the bus coming from her classes at the plans are University of Toronto Scarborough. changed Police said she crossed the intersection of Sheppard CHANTELLE HENRIQUES Avenue and Murison The Observer Boulevard when a 2002 Dodge Caravan driven by a Some unionized Canada 33-year-old Markham man Post workers say their fight struck her. is about stopping any move Guruparan suffered head backward and looking ahead. Chantelle henriques/The Observer trauma and died after at Sun- Members of the Milad Moshfeghian delivers a letter at the University of Toronto in Scarborough. If a strike occurs at the end of the nybrook hospital. Canadian Union of month, many Scarborough residents will experience delays in receiving and sending important documents. “At first I didn’t think it Postal Workers (CUPW) are was as serious as it turned out considering striking if their “We don’t really want to had. According to Hamilton, methods], you have to set to be,” Guruparan’s friend employer fails to realize how strike but we have to stand in “We don’t want to give it protected pension plans and a time where people can Stephanie Thevamanorathan much they mean to the Crown solidarity,” said Shirley Cole, up.” job security are among the exercise the right to strike,” said. “As we kept getting up- corporation, members of the a 22-year veteran of Canada Canada Post says it must things that will remain, but he said, “and this time is dates, we union’s Scarborough section Post. “They [Canada Post] make changes to the current sick leave programs will be coming. found it say. are trying to take back all deal in order to keep some changed. “We all need to work was very “Canada Post are the the things we worked for all benefits in place. But Cole feels the restric- together to bring a bright serious real dinosaurs,” CUPW these years.” “We want to protect tions on sick leave are al- future. We are going through and she president Denis Lemelin said Many employees aren’t what is near and dear to our ready too tight, she said. transitions and we need … to was on at a union meeting at the angry with Canada Post, she employees,” said Jon Ham- “When you call in sick look at the future.” life sup- Delta Hotel last said, but they do want to have ilton, spokesman for Canada they kind of harass you,” she Strike votes will continue port… Tuesday. “They want to bring jobs they enjoy. Post. “We want to put for- said. across the country until the KarThiHa when we us back to the past.” “I do love my job. It’s one ward new protection plans. Lemelin said the time to results are collected on April Guruparan reached Some employees said they of the best I’ve had in Cana- However, some things need strike is near. 17. A strike vote could mean the [hos- fear cutbacks will be made to da,” Cole said. “But we have to change so that other things “At the moment you ask workers are off the job by the pital] her cousin called us their benefits and wages. to fight for what we already don’t.” for consideration [on work end of the month. saying she was passing away.” Toronto police say drugs and alcohol are not involved in the case. There are conflicting MPP Gerry Phillips not seeking re-election reports whether Guruparan crossed on a red light or not. was finance and native affairs “I consider him as a close “I have often complimented According to an Inside After 24 years at Queen’s Park, critic. friend.” him on that.” Toronto article, Guruparan’s Philips listed the Veterans’ One of the most controver- Ward 40 councillor Norm dad, Guruparan Balasub- Scarborough-Agincourt Memorial on the lawn of the sial political issues he was Kelly, who worked with ramaniam said he’s “200 Assembly as one of the tasks involved in was the shoot- Phillips while representing per cent sure” his daughter MPP is ready to retire he was most proud of having ing death of native protester the southern half of Scarbor- wouldn’t cross on a red light. had a hand in. As govern- Dudley George at Ipperwash ough-Agincourt, said Phillips “For such a responsible janice yeung “I started off being in busi- ment services minister, Phil- Provincial Park in 1995, said always took a balanced ap- person to take a drastic The Observer ness — I opened up three lips had helped bring together Dell, crediting his dogged proach. “If you have worked decision to cross on a red companies and had 300 em- the construction of the monu- pursuit of the issue for the with him, you would know light, I could never believe Scarborough-Agincourt ployees,” he said. “I entered ment to Canadian veterans. formation of an inquiry into that he is a fair, reasonable it.” MPP Gerry Phillips an- politics because I found it to Phillips’ scheduling assis- the death in 2003. and balanced individual.” Guruparan was a month nounced his retirement on be more rewarding. You get tant Susie Dell praised the Ward 39 councillor Mike Kelly also recalled conver- short from graduating with a March 25. to influence man who was her boss for Del Grande, wished Phillips sations he’d had with Phil- business degree. She wanted “I love lots of peo- over two decades. well after his retirement. lips about the Toronto Maple to become a charted accoun- the job, it is ple’s lives and “He is a very hardwork- “He was responsible for Leafs. Phillips has a great tant. very reward- He was with that there ing, intelligent and fair man improving healthcare at local love for hockey, even coach- “It was a huge shock for ing,” he said. responsible is personal of great integrity,” she said. hospitals in the area,” he said. ing at one point. her parents (…) her mother “But having satisfaction as called her a few minutes to commit to for improving well.” before she passed away another four He also and Karthiha asked how years in of- health care at served as the everyone was doing at home,” fice entails a head of the Thevamanorathan said. lot of time and local Scarborough Guruparan, while attend- effort. I am hospitals Board of Ed- ing classes full-time, worked not prepared ucation and to help her parents pay the to make that — Mike Del board of gov- bills. kind of com- ernors for the “We had so many plans mitment.” Grande Scarborough after graduation,” Thevama- For 24 “ General Hos- norathan said. years, Phil- pital. The driver has yet to be lips has been representing the Leadership roles have charged. area, one of the city’s most included being minister of “In just a second he just multicultural areas. citizenship and minister of took a promising life, a He first entered provincial labor when person who’s radiant and has politics in 1987, when he was was Liberal premier of On- courtesy gerry phillips so many opportunities ahead voted into the legislature to tario. Later, in opposition of her,” Thevamanorathan represent Scarborough-Ag- to the Progressive Conser- Scarborough-Agincourt MPP Gerry Phllips debating on the retirement home bill in said. “He shattered so many incourt. vative government, Phillips June 2010 when he served as the Minister Responsible for Seniors. people’s hearts.” PAGE 4 - The East Toronto Observer, April 8, 2011 CANADA VOTES 2011 Battleground : Scarborough Your local map to Canada’s 41st federal election Andre thurairatnam ulation. Almost 68 per cent of The Observer the population is made up of immigrants. Chinese make up Candidates The Scarborough-Ag- the largest visible minority, incourt riding is along the but there are also very signifi- n Jim Karygiannis LIB* northern border of the city in cant numbers of Sri Lankans, western Scarborough. Greeks and Italians. n Harry Tsai CON The Toronto riding is Jim Karygiannis has bounded by Brimley Road served as the riding’s MP and Midland Avenue in the for seven consecutive terms, n Nancy Patchell NDP east, Steeles Avenue in the winning the last election with north, Victoria Park Avenue over 56 per cent of the vote. in the west and Hwy. 401 in Small business and light the south. industry make up most of the According to the 2006 economic activity in the area. Census, the riding is home to There are also ongoing issues a very ethnically diverse pop- with crime. jim karygiannis

Candidates n John Cannis LIB*

n CON

n Natalie Hundt NDP

n Ella Ng GRN

Chantelle henriques The population consists The Observer of a high number of Tamil speaking residents. Many Scarborough Centre was people identified in the 2006 created in 1976 from parts of census as visible minorities York-Scarborough, Scarbor- call this area home.The pop- ough East and Scarborough ulation consists of two-par- West. ent households with middle It runs from the hydro school-aged children. transmission line, the CN The average household Rail line and Eglinton Ave- income is over $58,000 and nue East in the south to Hwy. most working-age citizens 401 in the north. It falls be- work inside the city of To- tween Toyota Place and Bel- ronto. The top employment lamy Road North in the east sectors in the riding are ser- and Victoria Park Avenue in vice, and business finance the west. and administration. John cannis

natalie sequeria Simson. Simson won with The Observer just over 40 per cent in the last election, and is running The Scarborough South- again. west riding has a population The riding contains four Candidates of 102,196. of the city’s priority neigh- n Michelle Simson LIB* The riding’s boundaries bourhoods, and the average were redrawn in 2003 to in- income for private house- clude Victoria Park Avenue holds is $47,608. n Gaban Paranchothy CON in the west, Lake Ontario in ’s the south, Bellamy Road in visible minority population the east and Eglinton Avenue reaches almost 50 per cent. n Dan Harris NDP in the north. The riding has Canada’s Area voters kept Liberal sixth largest Tamil commu- Tom Wappel in office for nity and the country’s fourth n Stefan Dixon GRN 20 years before he stepped largest Filipino community. Michelle simson down before the 2008 elec- Issues in the area include tion and was replaced by the economy, crime, trans- another Liberal, Michelle port and tenant rights. The East Toronto Observer, April 8, 2011-PAGE 5 CANADA VOTES 2011 Battleground : Scarborough Your local map to Canada’s 41st federal election

Chantelle henriques west of this riding. The Observer Though predominantly white, the riding is also Pickering-Scarborough home to a large East In- East is relatively new, and dian community. has only been represented It is a young riding, in the House of Commons with a large proportion of since 2004. couples with children and a Candidates It runs from Lake Ontario low population of residents n in the south to Finch Avenue 65 years and older. Dan McTeague LIB* in the north, between Val- The average household ley Farm Road, Hwy. 401 income in this rapidly n Corneliu Chisu CON and Brock Road in the east. growing riding is just over * Incumbent Meadowvale Road, Shep- $90,000. n Kevin Smith GRN pard Avenue East, Morning- The three main employ- side Avenue and Highland ment sectors are financial, dan mcteague Creek are situated in the service and manufacturing. n Andrea Moffat NDP

ANDRE THURAIRATNAM Avenue and Finch Avenue landslide 58 per cent of the The Observer in the south. vote in 2008. Candidates According to the 2006 Econimcally, Scarbor- The Scarborough Rouge- census, immigrants make ough-Rouge River is home n Rana Sarkar LIB River riding occupies the up 68 per cent of the popu- to several employers in the northeast corner of the lation, with Chinese and business and service sec- n city, and is made up of city South Asians as the top two tors. Marlene Gallyot CON Wards 41 and 42. visible minorities Issues of transportation The riding is bounded by Liberal Derek Lee has may arise in this race, as n Rathika Pickering Town Line and been the riding’s MP for the Hwy. 401 runs along the Sitsabaiesan NDP Meadowvale Road in the past 23 years, though he has southern border of the rid- east, Steeles Avenue in the announced he will not be ing. n north, Midland Avenue and seeking re-election this time There are also ongoing is- George Singh GRN Brimley Road in the west, around. sues of unemployment and and Hwy. 401, Sheppard Lee won the riding with a poverty in the riding.

natalie sequeira Scarborough - Guild- The Observer wood’s immigrant popu- lation reaches almost 53 Scarborough - Guild- per cent, with 60 per cent wood was created in of that being visible mi- 2003 from parts of the norities. Scarborough Southwest The main ethnic and Scarborough Cen- groups include South tre ridings when electoral Asians, followed by boundaries were redrawn. blacks and Filipinos. Liberal John There are a large McKay has been elected to number of low-income John mackay this riding three times since families in the riding, 2004. prompting calls for In the last election, he social reform. Candidates won with just over 50 The crime rates per cent of the votes. He are also a concern for n John McKay LIB* will be running against residents, as is the Conservative Chuck Kon- economy. n Chuck Konkel CON kel for the second time. The protection of Danielle Ouellette is the services for new Ca- n Danielle Ouellette NDP NDP candidate. Alonzo nadians will be an issue Bartley, who is also run- following the cutbacks in n Alonzo Bartley GRN ning for the second time, is funding for settlement ser- the Green Party candidate. vices. PAGE 6 - The East Toronto Observer, April 8, 2011 The East Toronto COMMENT OBSERVER

Unbeknownst to the city, Will you(th) Rob Ford is secretly a genie.... finally vote?

ay 2 marks Canada’s 41st federal general election, and the fourth time Stephen Harper and his gang of Tories run for Canada’s top jobs. MCanada’s last federal election in 2008 saw registered voters drop to its lowest percentage in history and the percentage of overall voters dip to its lowest total in 40 years. And Scarborough was no exception. One problem politicians point to is Canada’s youth. Our elections have generally been known to receive much lower support from voters 18–21. Why is that? Are they too cool? The answer is that elections have never reached out to younger age groups. They rarely target youth and their needs. But this year is different. This year marks our first social media election, an election more accessible than ever before. This is the chance for the younger generation to brush up on their politics, to use Facebook and Twitter to learn more about the parties, and to share our thoughts and experiences with our friends. So don’t sit back and watch Canada shape itself around you. Use social media to your advantage. Use it to know who you’re voting for and how it will shape your future. Let’s capitalize on this opportunity and vote as we’ve never voted before.

— Kyle Larkin Ontario Liberals Jessica Lee/The Observer just got weaker

ong-time Scarborough Agincourt MPP Gerry Phillips declared he is leaving his position, for good. Rob Ford leads train of fools: Just before a federal election campaign was an- nouncedL in Ottawa, Phillips decided to leave the political stage. Coincidence? Hard to say. In a phone interview, Philips came off as a wise man who Subway plan lacks funding seemed to know how things would unfold. In his 24 years of service, he has done his best at serving . He launched a proposition to build a Veterans’ t took a couple of months but If the Transit City plan were to have Memorial on the front south lawn of Queen’s Park. He helped Mayor Rob Ford finally unveiled survived, the Sheppard LRT line would get new transmission lines constructed all over the city. his transit vision, one that replac- have been built within two years. He was single-minded on appealing for an inquiry into the es Ithe Transit City plan, finding “com- What also must be considered in this death of native protestor Dudley George at Ipperwash Provin- mon ground” with Premier Dalton Mc- predicament is the fact that millions of cial Park in 1995. Even his scheduling assistant who has been Guinty. dollars have already been spent on plan- working with him for 20 years said that was the most signifi- It’s yet to be seen, of course, but ning and engineering studies, with work cant case he worked on. Ford’s new plan will hopefully help scheduled to begin this summer. That Through years of dedicating himself to this case, the Ontario commuters be on schedule by provid- Alex Kozovski is a lot of money to be thrown away on government finally conducted a public inquiry into the man’s ing a truly rapid transit system, keeping cancellation charges. death in 2003. trains underground and cars free from Simply, it seems doubtful the subway The MPP has earned a reputation for being committed to gridlock. more than others. But what about Scar- line will be built, especially if it’s left to public service and responsible in his duties to represent the Yes, there are some promising chang- borough? the private sector. needs of the common Canadian citizen. es in motion, such as the Eglinton light Don’t be surprised if Scarborough One private financing model to fund Being a close associate of Premier Dalton McGuinty, the rail line, a core part of the city’s region- commuters are sentenced to a lifetime the $4.2-billion project includes build- two have been working closely in past years. It has been al transit network. With a potential new on the bus. ing condos along the subway line. It rumoured that McGuinty calls Phillips up whenever a tough subway line along Finch, 100,000 jobs This new plan essentially cuts the would require a developer to build at situation arises. would be created from these two proj- LRT route along Sheppard, which was least 54,000 new apartment units. Phillips is one of 10 current Liberal MPPs who will not run ects alone. already approved and funded. It was And that’s for only $1 billion in fi- in the fall campaign. With the Grits seeking a third term on And in a major step toward a tru- replaced with only a promise that a nancing. Oct. 6, they will be fighting a hard battle with so many mem- ly modern transit system, the city will $4.2-billion subway extension, which Sorry, not even close. bers departing from the race. work with provincial transit authority the city would fund with private sector For now, it looks like Scarborough’s Among the departing Liberals, Phillips is one of the most Metrolinx to implement a regional fare money. commuters will have to wait patiently qualified politicians who could have brought in more votes in card, known as Presto, on the TTC. But there’s no guarantee. — if they have any patience left after the campaign. These are important improvements What is guaranteed is Scarborough’s their commutes — to see how every- It seems the more experienced Liberals are leaving the race that will benefit some parts of Toronto commuters face gridlock. thing unfolds. in hope of leaving this political feud before it’s too late. Phillips said at his news conference he does not “think [the government] had any inkling I was making this announcement The East Toronto OBSERVER today.” EDITORIAL BOARD The East Toronto Observer Serving Scarborough is published by University Maybe they didn’t, but we are pretty sure Phillips’s reasons Managing Editor: Kyle Larkin of Toronto/Centennial College journalism students under faculty supervision. We are located at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre. Please for leaving go beyond health concerns. Assignment Editor: Yeamrot Taddese Best of luck to the Liberals. This is going to be a lengthy address correspondence to The East Toronto Observer, c/o Centennial College, Copy Editors: Aakanksha Tangri, Andre Thurairatnam 755 Morningside Ave., Toronto, ON M1C 5J9, 416-289-5000, ext. 8306, fax 416- and demanding battle with the loss of one of the most capable Photo Editor: James Wattie 289-5168. Email: [email protected] The opinions expressed in and competent leaders on your team. Production Editor: Natalie Sequeira The Observer do not necessarily reflect the views of the college. A companion — Janice Yeung Faculty Editors: Eric McMillan and Andrew Mair website is at torontoobserver.com. The East Toronto Observer, April 8, 2011-PAGE 7 SPORTS Sports Briefs Lacing up skates for a great cause Scarborough Hospital hosts 2nd annual hockey fundraiser tournament Sign up for Kayla kreutzberg tennis season The Observer If tennis is one of your spring hobbies then sign They say third times a up at Charlottetown Tennis charm but The Scarborough Club on April 9. Registra- Hospital Foundation (TSHF) tion is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. says it’s pleased with the at Port Union Community turnout at its Second Annual Centre at 5450 Lawrence Scarborough World Cup of Ave. E. Hockey. NHL alumni joined former members of the Canadian women’s Olympic hockey Jammer Classic team and laced up their skates with local Scarborough busi- kicks off lacrosse nesses in a one-day fundrais- The annual Jammer Classic ing tournament on April 1 at starts today at Cherry Beach the Angus Glen Community Fields. The tournament Centre. celebrates the life of former “We’re trying to raise funds Malvern Collegiate student for two new defibrillators to Jamieson Kuhlman, who replace older units we have,” died from a freak lacrosse TSHF community develop- accident three years ago. ment vice-president Guy Bon- nell said. “The one thing you may or may not know is that the Kayla kreutzberg/The Observer Wanted: government in the healthcare Vicky Sunohara gets ready to pass the puck as she plays in The Scarborough Hospital Foundation’s second annual system does not pay for new Scarborough World Cup of Hockey tournament to raise money for new defibrillators. baseball umpires equipment. The Ontario Umpires “We are actually going to Association is looking for make some money this year, we only had six teams,” he the tournament, said his com- as well as the hospital founda- Bonnell said he’s already officials for the summer. so all the proceeds will go to said. pany decided to participate tion.” looking forward to a bigger Scarborough leagues are those purchases.” This year, eight teams com- in the tournament because it Leo Mastoras, sales associ- Scarborough World Cup next asking for anybody over Last year’s tournament peted for the Peter Zezel Me- supports the kind of care the ate at World Fishing Network, year. 18 and who are confident was great, Bonnell said, but morial Cup, named in memo- hospital provides to the com- was a first-time player in the “Hopefully next year we and dedicated. The OUA it didn’t raise the amount of ry of the Scarborough native munity. tournament. will grow it [tournament] by provides umpires for high money the foundation was and former Toronto Maple “It’s for a great cause,” he “I couldn’t be happier play- another two teams,” he said. schools, as well as commu- hoping for. Leaf. said. ing with NHL alumni and for “We want to get at least nity leagues all over the city “It was our first year out Jean-Marc MacKenzie, se- “We are pleased to support a great cause,” he said. 10 to 12 teams but the criti- of Toronto. and you’re trying to build nior vice-president with She- two good causes in the Zezel “I hope to be back next cal thing above that is getting the awareness around it, and pell-fgi, a leading sponsor of family in recognition of Peter year.” enough sponsors to come in.” Toronto FC bids farewell to Scarborough icon Ex-captain Dwayne De Rosario leaves void in team and hometown as he heads to N.Y. Red Bulls

Alex kozovski attacking midfielder was a team that sits fourth in the sport in need of one. clutch scorer foreshadows a The Observer traded to the New York Red Toronto sports hierarchy. “De Rosario’s departure trying season for the club. Bulls for Cameroonian Tony “It was incumbent upon the from TFC had a more det- “Losing these idols will Last Friday’s trade of ex- Tchani, Danleigh Borman, ownership to find a way to rimental effect on the fans certainly decrease the inter- Toronto FC captain Dwayne and a first-round choice in the keep this guy in Toronto, be- of the sport est towards De Rosario has left a hole in MLS SuperDraft. cause he was a guy you could than even the the club,” coach Aron Winter’s squad — The team loses not only sell to the public,” Toronto departure of Scarborough and in the local community. their all-time leading scorer in Sun sports columnist Steve [Mats] Sun- recreational Just two games into TFC’s Scarborough native De Rosa- Simmons said in an interview. din from the soccer player fifth season, the 32-year-old rio, but a recognizable face on “He was a name people knew. Leafs,” said Julian Giorla “I think it’s a huge mistake University of said. if you lose a ‘name guy’ in Toronto soc- “If the club that circumstance, and that’s cer player was more Dnway e De Rosario what happened here.” Harenssan established, LINGUISTIC LARKS De Rosario was one of the Kandiah. this wouldn’t 2010 second overall pick from With the letters few players for the franchise, “De Ro- Soccer be as big of a the SuperDraft could be a ma- given, guess the if not the only one, a casual sario is ar- problem.” jor piece of the puzzle going horizontal clues. fan might recognize. guably the fans in Whatever forward, and possibly the new Category Work your way to With TFC lowballing their greatest Ca- happens now, idol fans crave. the vertical clue. One word best player in their most re- nadian soccer Toronto will TFC must Add another first round band names G E cent contract offer, De Rosa- player of this now focus on pick, and TFC has made posi- rio told media after the trade generation definitely“ the present, tive moves towards the club’s I C E B he felt it was time to move on. and he was and that is to future. He had asked for a trade when in his prime miss him win as many Until that time, TFC needs I P N the club wouldn’t make him a of his career. — Harenssan games as pos- to find a way to put the ball in Unscramble the designated player. I’m not sur- sible to keep a the net, arguably what they’ll M R circled letters to Many fans have com- prised that Kandiah wavering fan miss most from De Rosario’s form the final plained the trade is a step many people base happy. departure. answer. backward for a team still look- are pissed In new “He brings a lot of excite- This band shares a ing for its first playoff berth. about his de- acquisition ment and skill to the game, name with a U.S. state More than that, De Rosa- parture.” Tchani, the and it’s a joy to watch as a rio was a player that young The move wouldn’t have club has a 21-year-old profes- fan,” Kandiah said. By Kyle Larkin Toronto soccer players could as much impact if TFC were sional soccer player making “Soccer fans in Toronto look up to, a role model for a a better team. Losing their an impact at a young age. The will definitely miss him.” PAGE 8 - The East Toronto Observer, April 8, 2011 ARTS & LIFE Jazz thunder strikes UTSC years ago. Vocomotive, she Orchestra said, is a “serious hobby” for her. heralds spring Like Gordon, psychol- ogy major Deston Johnson with tribute doesn’t have any vocal train- ing. He said he joined the to jazz legend group two years ago after a friend discovered his sing- Ellington ing ability. “I liked the people be- cause they were all full of erica tiangco energy and it was really The Observer fun,” Johnson said. Over the past year, Voco- To many, April brings motive has performed in a thoughts of warmer and sun- variety of shows, including nier days. a Christmas concert and a But for some music-lov- small-ensemble competi- ing University of Toronto tion, where they won the Scarborough students, their People’s Choice Award. minds were on the sounds of The group even walked sweet thunder. around campus to seranade Soothing melodies and students for Valentine’s Day. iconic jazz could be heard at erica tiangco/The Observer Laver said he believes UTSC’s Leigha Lee Browne the jazz-themed event will Members of UTSC’s Jazz Orchestra show off their talent at the annual Spring Awakening concert this past weekend. The concert Theatre on the weekend. do more than just showcase paid tribute to jazz great Duke Ellington and his Such Sweet Thunder Suite. The UTSC Jazz Orchestra the students’ talent and pas- and Vocomotive, an aca- sion for music. He hopes the pella group, showcased their popular music both past and the sectionals that the stu- played the trombone with double on the trombone weekend’s event will give talents at the annual year- present. dents do themselves, plus all the Jazz Orchestra for two parts.” back to the community he end concert, Spring Awak- Mark Laver, the or- of the practising that they do semesters. Playing with Unlike much of the or- grew up in, he said. ening I. chestra’s musical director, at home.” the band has given him the chestra, which consists “One of the things we’re The first of a three-part worked with his students all Paying tribute to Elling- chance to hone his musical of students, Vocomotive trying to do here is to make concert was held March 31 semester to prepare for the ton’s music allowed students talent while allowing him features a group of music this area and the UTSC cam- and was followed by perfor- Ellington tribute. to have fun while learning to perfect multiple instru- enthusiasts from different pus a hub for arts and culture mances all weekend. The kickoff event didn’t about one of the genre’s ments, he said. areas of study who simply in Scarborough,” Laver said. The orchestra paid tribute come easy, he said. greatest composers, whose “I joined because I was love to sing. “That’s one thing we hope to jazz great Duke Ellington “This is a culmination of work has directly shaped to- looking for a bit more of Jennifer Gordon, an en- will develop through events and his Such Sweet Thun- our year,” Laver said. day’s jazz music, he said. a challenge in music,” vironmental science major, like this and will grow over der Suite, while Vocomo- “We rehearse a couple of First-year university O’Brien said. has been singing with the the next few years that we tive performed renditions of hours a week … plus all of student Luke O’Brien has “I play the flute but I also group since it started four continue to do this.” Artists show off their eccentricities

Mersiha gadzo ways of thinking. honourable mention in the The Observer The room was packed at the competition, created realis- opening reception on March tic drawings of people and Artists are often known for 31. places using pastel on paper. their peculiarities. So the Scar- “In the past To create each mersiha gadzo/The Observer borough Arts Council decided three years drawing, he Artist Ranjit Sidhu stands next to his colourful art piece, “My World, My Way” at the Papermill to celebrate their strangeness that I’ve been took 75 to 100 We wanted Gallery in Scarborough. Sidhu says a content bird is what inspired him to create this piece. with the 26th annual juried working on the photographs as exhibition, Eccentricities, at juried exhibi- everyone reference and the Papermill Gallery. tion, this blows each drawing from St. Clair station. The Artist Ranjit Sidhu’s can- brushes. “Working with artists on it out of the to just let combines 15 lady was drawn from a photo vas, My world, my way, shows “This is what inspired me,” a daily basis, and being sur- water,” Lopes it out and to 20 of those taken while she was work- a colourful bird swimming on Sidhu said. “Once I saw a rounded by creative people, said. photos. ing at Fruits & Passion at a water. bird sitting over eggs. I said, you realize how eccentric “In the art- be as weird His draw- Markham mall. For the past decade, Sidhu ‘Look at the joy in his eyes, they are, and a lot of the time work that’s on and ing, “Subway “I feel very strongly about said, he’s been looking for the he’s so contented and created you’re supposed to not show display here Platform,” being able to move things real meaning of life. He has a mini-world of his own.’ that so much,” said Benedict tonight, in the wonderful shows a blond around and control my com- discovered there are many He’s happy the way he is, and Lopes, Scarborough Arts pro- number of sub- lady walk- position in order to make what parallels between humans and if we all feel happy the way gram coordinator. missions we as they are. ing by King’s it is I want the viewer to look other species. we are, there would be less “We wanted everyone to had and the — Benedict subway sta- at, to stand out,” Bernabe said. The bird in his piece is a conflicts, less enemies, and just let it out and be as weird feedback that tion. The iPod “The inspiration came from weaverbird, also known as a this would be a happy world and wonderful as they are nat- we had from Lopes advertisement the actual iPod. I have a fasci- painter bird, Sidhu explained. to live in. urally, through their artwork.” artists, in the and the wall nation for pop culture.” It does the same thing that “If you feel happy about The show features work in space and the “ tiles were Bernabe places his subjects an artist does. It paints the your work, about your life, all media by artists from the outstanding turnout — we are drawn from pictures at King’s in recognizable settings. He interior of his house, collects about whatever you cherish GTA and beyond, with piec- all just thrilled.” subway station, while the rest used the iPod and the subway artifacts, decorates his home in life, nothing else matters. es exploring the themes of Artist Glenn Bernabe, who (including fire extinguisher, station as a backdrop for ex- and matches the colours, and That is what this painting is unique perspectives and new received third place and an TTC ad and pole) were taken ploration into individuality. chews bits of trees to make all about.”