The Celebrating suds n The Observer takes you inside ’s prominent Observer craft brew festival. Page 7 Vol. 40, No. 7 Friday, September 30, 2011 www.torontoobserver.ca Serving our community since 1972

Prue powers through debate

By JESSE MIRSKY The Observer Religion, all-day kindergarten and a French-speaking school topped the agenda as Beaches- East York candidates debated education on Sept. 20. The debate, one of many across the province, saw Shawn Ali of the Green Party, Helen Burstyn of the Liber- als and New Demo- crat Party incum- bent MPP Mi- chael Prue face n SHAWN off at ALI Secord Elementary School Nicholas Pescod /// Observer to an audience of more than 100 peo- Gearing up for election day ple. The issue of reli- An Elections sign sits out front of the East York Civic Centre, one of several advanced polling locations spread across gious practices in East York. Advanced polling began on Sept. 21 and runs until 8 p.m. tonight, Sept. 30. Regular election day voting runs this schools came up af- coming Thursday, from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. For East York voting locations and other information, visit www.elections.on.ca ter audience mem- bers began asking questions. Prue’s stance was well-re- ceived. “Our public schools are supposed Service merger a go to be secular,” Prue said. “In the last Both camps joined forces main the same. election the Con- Baby boomers look forward to integration for a public meeting at the “I’m actually really ex- servatives ran on a York Reception Centre on cited that even though this platform of allowing of WoodGreen, Community Care East York EDITOR’S NOTE: Sept. 13. integration will allow us to multi-faith schools We’re unveiling By ROSS JOHNSTON Toronto communities that CCEY executive director broaden our scope, our cli- a new look — as and paying for them The Observer will soon see an improved Barbara Nytko looks to the ents won’t see a change on a new school year and got trounced at level of service and care for future for inspiration in the the front lines,” she said. begins, on the eve the polls.” Sipping a coffee at the seniors thanks to the vol- joint venture. “The same people will be of our 40th anniver- Burstyn was in Detroit Eatery on Danforth untary integration of two “We see a new reality administrating their care sary! favour of a more Avenue, Donald Hobbs industry leaders. in which the growing de- and delivering their meals. Conceived by lenient and school- journalism teacher shakes his fist in mock fury Community Care East mand for services and care It’s that kind of relationship specific approach. Andrew Mair (also a when told that baby boom- York and WoodGreen needs to be met,” she said. that we’re proud of.” “We respect the Toronto Sun editor) ers are slowly becoming Community Services are “We need to use innovative Brian Smith, president ability of students and executed by the largest demographic in merging to help provide a ideas and solutions to ad- and CEO of WoodGreen to practice their reli- production editor Canada. better standard of service dress those demands.” Community Care Services, gions and be accom- Cheronne Thurab “We’re taking the power to seniors and those living Nytko is also quick to shares Nytko’s excitement. (shown above, with modated in every back!” the East York resi- with disabilities in both point out that although For him, it is a merger ne- the old and the school setting if it’s a dent quips with a laugh. the Toronto-Danforth and changes are afoot, the level cessitated by the current new), our fresh public school in this “But honestly, I’m well Beaches-East York com- of both groups’ service and healthcare climate. design tries to put province,” she said. aware of the facts and I’m munities. quality standards will re- “It’s a real challenge the same conscien- Green Party can- happy to live in a commun- to find funding,” he said. tious coverage of didate Ali chose at East York in a more ity that treats seniors with “This integration will allow times to defer ques- respect and dignity.” l For more on this story, reader-friendly our clients to live in their package. tions. Hobbs, 65, is referring to please visit us online at n community without fear We hope you For more, see the neighbourhood of To- torontoobserver.ca torontoobserver.ca @ of service cuts or interrup- enjoy! ronto-Danforth, one of two O tions.” fsdhjfkdshfjksdfhjkdsfhkdsfkdsfhsdkfhjsdkfhdsjkfhsdjkghdjskghdfkgkfdhgjdfhgjkdfhgj 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 Pape construction nears end Community calendar Business owners glad to say goodbye to noise, dust and parking woes Métis By ALIMA HOTAKIE ing as much because of the The Observer noise and dust,” she said. rendezvous She added that she would The Métis Heritage have liked to see construc- Residents and owners Guild will host a day of businesses on Pape Av- tion crews water the streets of music, dance and enue will soon be able to to prevent dust from scat- film on Oct. 1. Métis breathe a sigh of relief as tering everywhere. Rendezvous will take area construction enters its Parking also proved prob- place at the S. Wal- final phase. lematic, as customers were ter Stewart branch Replacement of an forced to find spaces be- of the East York Li- aging gas main began in yond the stores’ perimeters. brary tomorrow from July, with work stretch- The owner of The Perfect 1-5 p.m. This is a ing from Danforth Avenue Fit, Emerald Tharrenos, free event. north to O’Connor Drive. said parking spaces were It is slated for completion scarce during the repairs. within the next few weeks. “More people were look- Enbridge spokesperson ing for parking on the side Breastfeeding Chris Meyer said an exact streets,” she said. date could not be provided, She said some of her cli- challenge since each customer has to ents were forced to enter be advised individually. through the back doors be- The Toronto chapter While some locals under- cause her shop’s front en- of La Leche League Canada is holding its stand the work is necessary, trance was blocked. Toronto Breastfeed- Meyer said the com- many are still upset about ing Challenge and its impact on the flow of pany tried its best to mini- Walk Oct. 1. at 11 business. mize disturbances. a.m. at the East York Irene Bratsos, who works “We tried to co-ordinate Civic Centre. For at the Florida Shishkebob the work to cause the least more information, House, said construction disruptions,” she said. “We call 416-407-0168 was terrible for the restau- organized the work during or send an email to rant’s patio. a specific time period of the [email protected] “People weren’t com- day.”

Alima Hotakie /// Observer l For more on this story, Construction workers add the finishing touches to a gas main on Pape visit us online at Early learning Avenue. The replacement of the old gas main caused some disruptions for @ torontoobserver.ca local businesses. O centre to open East York’s East Toronto Family Re- sources will open Speaker blasts city’s proposed budget cuts the Early Learning Centre inside Cres- cent Town Elemen- Plan ‘an absolute outrage,’ tary School this coming Tuesday, planning council director tells Oct. 4. The centre will hold a toddler those at town hall meeting program for children aged 18 months to By SIAN DAVIES of subsidized childcare two years, as well as a preschool room for The Observer spaces in the city. “They (KPMG) did not children aged 2-5. In the September run-up evaluate the impact of For more informa- tion, call 647-258- to city council’s prelimin- their options,” Fragedakis 9980. ary budget decisions, East said. “They didn’t evalu- Yorkers gathered at East- ate how these cuts might minster United Church on affect people’s lives.” Danforth Avenue to hear John Campey, executive how proposed cuts to the director of the Community Curtain rises on city’s budget could impact Social Planning Council core services. of Toronto, was one of the new show In the wake of sev- meeting’s guest speakers. Sian Davies /// Observer eral public consultations He said the proposed cuts The East Side Play- Toronto-Danforth residents line up to have their say about proposed cuts across the city, councillors threaten a wide range of ers will present Mary Fragedakis of Ward services from well-baby to city services at a town hall meeting on Sept. 11. their production of 29/Toronto-Danforth and programs to recreational Lettice and Lovage Paula Fletcher of Ward 30 facilities for seniors. Campey said. remaining facility. That, to will be axed. from Oct. 27-Nov. invited locals to a town “Looking at the impact “Private operators do me, is an absolute outrage “A lot of what’s going 12. The comedic hall meeting on Sept. 11 of a 10 per cent cut, that what is called creaming; and shame on any admin- on in City Hall right now play is about Lettice to have their say about the will have an impact on our they take residents who istration that would con- is all about abuse of pro- Douffet, a creative controversial KPMG aud- city, literally, from cradle are the easiest to care sider it.” cess,” she said. and lively woman itors’ report. to grave,” he said. for, the cheapest to care Meeting attendees lined “It’s about bullying and who loves theatre and history, but The consultant firm rec- The city currently runs for, and push out or don’t up to express their oppos- it’s about doing things in has a difficult time ommended slicing 10 per 10 long-term care centres admit those who require ition to the proposed cuts. a backhanded manner, separating the two cent from the city’s budget for seniors. The KPMG the highest levels of care,” Jennefer Laidley, a without shining the light as she gives tours through cost-cutting initia- report suggested that nine he said. Ward 30 resident, ex- on decision-making pro- of a stately English tives such as closing Riv- of these facilities be pri- “Those are the folk, pressed her concerns over cesses.” home. For tickets, erdale Farm, eliminating vatized or sold, greatly re- those most vulnerable, the Ford administration’s visit www.eastside- environmental programs ducing the care available those most in need, who lack of transparency in n For more, see players.ca and reducing the number for those most in need, will be dumped in the one deciding what services torontoobserver.ca ~ Farhana Uddin The Toronto Observer /// Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 Election 2011 3

Journalist It’s time to hit the polls turns EDITOR’S NOTE: politician As East Yorkers prepare to vote in the provincial election on Thursday, the PC candidate Observer is turning half of our paper over to pre- wants a change election coverage: pages 3-5 preview the races By MICHELLE GRACE in the three ridings that The Observer converge here: Beaches- East York, Toronto- The Progressive Danforth and Don Valley Conservative can- West. On page 6, you’ll didate for Don Val- find our editorialists’ picks ley West believes for Queen’s Park. Ontario needs to Observer reporters will re-evaluate its ap- fan out to various coverage proach to health points in the ridings on care, education and election night — and the handling of fi- they’ll file the breaking nances. news of the results to our Andrea Mandel- companion website, www. Campbell, a vet- torontoobserver.ca. East York’s three eran journalist, is We next appear in provincial ridings: a former anchor newsprint on Oct. 14 — Don Valley West, at CTV’s Business when we’ll relay all of the Toronto-Danforth News colour of election night in and Beaches-East Net- feature coverage. York. work and is the author The future is now for NDP candidate of Why Mexi- n ANDREA By BRITNEY BRADY- local Scarborough riding, “Times have changed, tuition freeze followed cans MANDEL- MAGINLEY but as a Don Valley West and we need a young by the removal of interest Don’t CAMPBELL The Observer native, he believes his time voice,” he said. from the Ontario Student Drink The NDP candidate for in the area is an asset. “The way we’re going, Assistance Program Molson: Rescuing Don Valley West may be “Other candidates won’t 20 years down the road, (OSAP). Canadian Business 19 years old, but he says he have first-hand experience there will be no young “That way, students will from the Suds of uses that to his advantage with the issues in Don people in politics. I’ve met only pay back their loans. Global Obscurity. — to get more young Valley West. They won’t a lot of people who say We shouldn’t think about “This is an incred- people involved in politics. understand the people they’re going to vote for me profit when we think about ible experience for Khalid Ahmed is a student because they haven’t been because you are going to be education,” Ahmed said. me,” she said about studying criminology at put in their place, I have,” the voice for my children In addition, he wants running for office. the University of Ontario Ahmed said. and my grandchildren. to build the economy As a business Institute of Technology As for Ahmed’s age, he And that’s something that by giving a $5,000 job journalist, she’s es- (UOIT). He grew up in said he is aware that he motivates me.” tax credit to employers, pecially interested Thorncliffe Park, living has to work twice as hard He also supports the claiming this will in tackling the is- there for 12 years before as other candidates, and NDP’s plan to put $20 encourage employers to sues of debt and moving to Scarborough. stresses that he wants to be million into the education hire more people, resulting the deficit in On- n KHALID AHMED He could have ran in his a voice for young people. system and a four-year in 80,000 more jobs. tario. She believes the Liberals have GP candidate wants a “mismanaged” the Working together to solve issues province’s finances, doubling the debt By NATASHA JAFERI “We need to make sure healthier community under Premier Dal- The Observer that seniors have enough By MICHELLE GRACE ton McGuinty. Having completed home care so they can The Observer “(The PCs) feel two terms since 2003 as stay in their homes if strongly that we MPP representing the they choose to,” she The Green Party candi- can save every riding of Don Valley said. date for Don Valley West, two cents per dol- West, Liberal candidate When asked about Louis Fliss, says that he lar that is being Kathleen Wynne is go- her government’s ac- has a great amount of pas- spent,” she said. ing for a third. complishments, Wynne sion for his community and As the mother Wynne, the former pointed to full-day kin- that he aims to develop a of two children, provincial education dergarten, 18 new hospi- government that works for Mandel-Campbell minister who now holds tals built in Ontario and everybody. is concerned about n KATHLEEN WYNNE n LOUIS FLISS the transportation port- the construction of the “As a health practitio- education and the folio in the McGuinty “I want to make sure Eglinton LRT, noted on ner, my main focus is the munities. He and the party future of young government, has built that we are able to Wynne’s website as “the health of my family, cli- also want to promote ac- people in terms of her campaign around continue to help young largest transit investment ents, neighbours and con- cess to quality and sustain- job creation. the issues of education, people to go onto post- in a generation.” stituents. In my opinion, able health care close to “We have a high- health care and job cre- secondary — whether Aside from her service the environment is synony- home. Another plank in the er unemployment ation. it’s college or university as MPP, Wynne has had mous with one’s health,” platform: feeding our com- rate in comparison “Investments in educa- or into apprenticeship considerable community Fliss said. munities by purchasing to the rest of Can- tion are extremely im- programs.” involvement over the The Green Party of On- from local farms. ada,” she said. “In portant for our future, so When it comes to years, from serving as tario perfectly matches his “My goal is to see good Ontario, the reality I want to make sure that health care, Wynne said a trustee on the Toronto philosophy, he says, which 21st century jobs created is that we haven’t we continue to roll out seniors should receive District School Board is to create jobs for a 21st for the hard-working con- recouped the job full-day kindergarten,” special attention from to running events in her century economy — har- stituents of my riding, and loss and there is a she said. the province. neighbourhood church. nessing safe, affordable the rest of the city and serious challenge.” energy to power our com- province,” Fliss said. 4 ELECTION 2011 The East York Observer /// Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 Candidates square off Prue still has Menary wants ‘work to do’ more for East York By MICHELLE GRACE The Observer Beaches-East York candidate wants to see a change By JANET Beaches-East York NDP candidate Mi- “I do eight hours of teenagers. PIERCEY chael Prue is no beginner when it comes walking. There’s not one “I also created a The Observer to politics or community involvement. The person that won’t tell you basketball program in that they haven’t seen East York called East incumbent MPP has served East York in Chris Menary says me.” York Basketball for one public capacity or another for more he’s lost 25 pounds Menary said he feels boys and girls to have than 30 years. from countless hours a special attachment to an opportunity to play But the former bor- of walking door-to- the community — and basketball in East York ough mayor, municipal door. especially to Toronto East for ages from six to 16,” councillor and now Menary is the Pro- General Hospital, where he said. provincial politician says gressive Conservatives’ he and his children were After living and raising he still has work to do candidate in Beaches- born. his children in East York, — and that work can East York — and al- According to Menary, Menary said his main be better accomplished though the riding is the Liberal government concern is to encourage if Ontario voters elect traditionally tough isn’t making adequate an economic environment not only him to Queen’s for Conservatives, efforts to support the in Ontario that will create Park on Oct 6… but a he’s undeterred. hospital. more jobs. n Michael Prue New Democratic govern- “I’ve been out He said that if elected, He added the first ment. in the pouring rain he plans to work for more order of business for a “I have yet to be able to accomplish what and I was one of funding for TEGH, as Progressive Conservative I would like to, because I have been in op- the only candi- well as more provincial government would be position and I’m hoping this time the NDP Chris dates the other support for community to remove the HST to will be able to form a govern- Menary day who was activities. lower costs for working ment,” Prue said, “And this is puts his seen walk- Already, Menary said, families. why I am running.” focus on ing in the rain he’s involved himself Menary said the The fixture on East York’s his own with an um- with his neighbourhood reaction he’s received brella,” he political scene stirred up commu- through sports and from walking door-to- @ nity. said. recreational activities for door has been positive. some controversy earlier in O this campaign, when “robo- l Get the East York calls” in Beaches-East York results on invoked the memory of federal election NDP leader Jack Layton in night at toronto trying to round up support for Family comes first for GP candidate observer.ca the provincial New Democrats. Provincial party leader Andrea By BETH FORD power girls worldwide,” people in his riding. tious about how he treats Horwath asked Prue and oth- The Observer he said. “It is one thing to have the environment. ers who were employing the tactic to stop Ali, the Green Party can- a job, but another to have He plans to improve — and they did. Shawn Ali doesn’t have didate for Beaches-East one that allows you to funding and priorities Prue has lived in Beaches-East York since any children, but he speaks York, says his passion for support your family and for transit and healthcare 1973, served as its MPP since 2001 and about his niece as though art keeps him grounded. live with dignity,” he said. and is a strong believer in acknowledges that he would like to con- she were his own. He says he spends much of “We have a realistic plan funding community health tinue working for the community regardless “She is my inspiration, his free time painting. to create jobs that will en- care clinics. of the size of the NDP caucus, to facilitate and because of her I have Having spent most of his able people to maintain a He also plans to make changes that will benefit Toronto. recently become involved life working in retail, Ali high standard of living as health promotion and ill- “I really think there needs to be more with ‘Because I’m a Girl,’ says he understands the well as their dignity.” ness prevention top priori- help with the different neighbourhoods in a charity that works to em- needs of the hard-working Ali says he is conscien- ties. Toronto,” he said. Liberals set sights on NDP stronghold

By MICHELLE GRACE that supplies grants to not-for-profit and education to remain accessible — both residents of Beaches-East York. The Observer charitable organizations and is currently affordable and available — to all learners.” “I want to ensure that the hospital on a leave of absence from her position as In terms of health expansion continues and that the Liberal candidate Helen Burstyn says executive lead at the Partnership Project care, she outlined importance of this institution as one the she’s determined to bring residents of Office. the Liberals’ plans to largest employers in the riding and best- Beaches-East York a government they can “I have always had a passion for public reduce wait times for run hospitals in the city is recognized,” she count on. service, community service and volunteer key medical services, said. “My main focus is to get elected MPP so work,” she said. “expand home care Currently, Burstyn serves on the board the residents of Beaches-East York have As a mother and grandmother, Burstyn for our seniors and of Luminato, the international arts festival a strong voice in government to represent said two of her major concerns are ensure that family that was co-founded by her late husband, them effectively,” she said. education and health care. health teams are David Pecaut. She is also the vice-chair Born and raised in Toronto, Burstyn “I want to see full-day kindergarten there to deliver the of the Centre for Addiction and Mental n Helen Burstyn has spent most of her life in the city as expanded into every school in Ontario. I best health care Health (CAMH), the honourary chair of a community builder for various public also want to see our schools continue to to individuals and families.” She also Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto and past services, as well as in non-profit sector be ranked No. 1 in the English-speaking mentioned the government’s recent pledge president of the Canadian Club of Toronto in business. She was chair of the Ontario world, our high school graduation rates to provide significant support for Toronto and a director of the Toronto International Trillium Foundation, a provincial agency continue to climb and post-secondary East General Hospital, which serves the Film Festival (TIFF). The East York Observer /// Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 ELECTION 2011 5 in East York’s ridings Sterling trying to engineer win for Liberals in Toronto-Danforth

By BRITNEY BRADY- long Toronto resident, times at Toronto East Gen- MAGINLEY the Liberal candidate has eral Hospital by allowing The Observer called East York home for seniors receive medical the past 11 years. care in their homes. As a female engineer, In addressing constitu- “What I can deliver as an Marisa Sterling says she’s ents’ concerns, Sterling MPP is the commitment to not afraid of a challenge, hopes to make gains in ensure as the hospital goes and she wants to take educational reform. through its redevelopment, on the role of Toronto- “I want to ensure that full seniors can stay in their Danforth’s day kindergarten is imple- home as long as they like MPP to mented across Toronto- and get the healthcare that bring Danforth in the schools as they need,” she said. about planned and to continue to “I’ve spoken with quite change put programs in to ensure a few seniors who are and put more students will gradu- scared they make have to people ate from high school,” leave their home if they first. Sterling said. need medical attention or A “I also want to make sure they can’t afford to stay in life- that families who have their home anymore.” Beth Ford /// Observer university or college stu- If seniors need to make dents get access to post renovations to create a Candidate (and cricket player) Rita Jethi encourages everyone to get secondary education more accessible environ- involved in sports. and that’s what the 30 ment, Sterling wants to per cent tuition grant implement a 15 per cent will accomplish for those home renovation tax credit middle and lower class to allow them to make the PC candidate uses families in the area.” kind of upgrades needed Sterling also wants to to remain living in their n MARISA STERLING reduce emergency wait homes. cricket to connect By BETH FORD Canada in September with other young cricket Greens seek a fresh start The Observer 1999, Jethi worked hard players, both male and As far as Rita Jethi is to obtain her financial female. The feisty young By MIKE BEAUVAIS ready for a change and we So we’re building year af- concerned, sport is the service licence. Her goal woman believed she The Observer have a new, real fresh vi- ter year and Ontarians are key to bringing people was to start up a small could do anything her A palpable appetite for sion for Ontarians,” said really connecting with our together and keeping financial consulting busi- two older brothers did. change in Ontario has led Whalley, message and our focus on them engaged in the com- ness. The values instilled by Tim Whalley on his maid- executive healthy and livable com- munity. Several months later, her family are woven into en voyage into provincial director munities.” The Progressive Con- her husband, Anil, Jethi’s political life. She politics. of Scar- Whalley recognizes that servative candidate for brought over their two says the idea of getting Whalley, a married fa- borough his party remains an under- Toronto-Danforth uses sons. They both cur- young people and fam- ther and area resident, will Arts, an dog in the Ontario political cricket, the sport she rently work as a husband ilies back on their feet is represent the Green Party area arts landscape, but believes that grew up with in India, to and wife realtor team for what motivates her. on the Toronto-Danforth organiza- voters shouldn’t have any get to know the members Century 21. If elected, she plans ballot in this Thursday’s tion. “I qualms about supporting of her community and Her ambition and to get rid of ‘red tape’ n WHALLEY election. The Green Party’s also feel the little guy. keep them involved. strong sense of com- to give all members of emergence as a viable alter- that we’re “I could understand if “I enjoy encouraging munity are grounded the community an equal native in Canadian politics very fortunate to live in a they were maybe leery, youth and families to get in her upbringing. As a chance at finding em- helped motivate Whalley to riding, Toronto-Danforth, maybe 10 years ago,” he involved in sports,” she youth, Jethi went against ployment. make his debut run. which is amongst the said, “but we’ve grown so said. her mother’s wishes and n For more, see “I feel that Ontario is greenest ridings in Ontario. much in the past 10 years.” After immigrating to threw herself on the pitch torontoobserver.ca Tabuns emphasizes ‘quality of life’ issues Zeroes in on ing quality-of-life issues “We have to stop the ero- come back into funding The province has to complexes that were one in his re-election cam- sion of half of our transit costs, protect our health and of the first social housing transit funding paign. public so we can keep transit well-being with policies developments in Canada. By MICHELLE GRACE Many of those issues health affordable,” he said. that keep our city afford- He is also head of Citi- reflect his background as care and But he also expands the able and liveable.” zens for a Safe Environ- The Observer a former city councillor, other affordability issue: “Pub- Tabuns is one of the ment in south Riverdale. Toronto-Danforth and as executive director public lic services, particularly founders of the Bain Co- Tabuns isn’t living in incumbent MPP Peter of Greenpeace. services. health care, have to be op, which is also known the riding currently, but Tabuns says he’s cam- The voters of Toronto- We properly funded. We will as Riverdale Courts — he lived there for more paigning to ensure that Danforth sent him to have to shift the HST off heating English cottage-style than 30 years. Toronto and its needs Queen’s Park in 2006. ensure n TABUNS and hydro to help people are not forgotten at the “We need proper fund- that life balance their budgets.” provincial level. ing for transit to ease is affordable.” Generally, he said, l Be sure to check out our The New Democrats’ congestion and reduce air In that regard, he zeroes “Toronto is a high-cost election night coverage at energy and environment pollution,” he said when in on transit. city with critical need for @ torontoobserver.ca critic has been emphasiz- asked about his platform. “The province has to public services. O 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 n EditoriaLS Prue’s eyes are on HST Beaches-East York MPP incumbent keeps happy and busy Wynne to win by influencing provincial and municipal governments Liberal incumbent Kathleen Wynne has the ou would think that a politician with councillor and mayor, city councillor, now experience needed to serve her constituents a track record like Michael Prue’s MPP. Ywouldn’t get very worked up about But Prue’s presence is felt on the orontonians are embracing change. That much is obvious — simply his campaign. But the New Democrat provincial stage as well. He’s proud of from an examination of our federal and municipal election results. incumbent in Beaches-East York seems the fact that this past summer, the Liberal TStill, in the riding of Don Valley West, where provincial election races more enthusiastic than ever. McGuinty government borrowed from have historically been close, voters need to seriously consider whom they Prue stirred some controversy a few his proposal to implement a new photo elect — and not vote for change simply because change is the political weeks ago, when automated calls on his identification card for Ontarians who trend du jour. Of all of the candidates, Kathleen Wynne, Liberal incumbent behalf invoked the memory of the federal don’t drive or have a photo health card. MPP and current transportation minister, has the most NDP’s beloved Jack Layton. He backed And Prue is a staunch advocate of his experience. off when some people on the other end of party’s populist platform: besides things She’s now running for her third consecutive term, and in the phone complained — and provincial like job creation and superior care for this election, she, her premier and her party are pulling out NDP leader backed them. seniors, Prue wants to make utilities @ all of the stops, particularly around the province’s colleges But we can see where Prue was coming more affordable by cutting the HST off and universities. To begin with, the Liberals have proposed from. Like Layton, Prue is one of those of hydro and heating bills; he wants to O a 30 per cent post-secondary grant for all middle-class truly happy warriors in the political cut down on the wait times in emergency l Follow the results families. That equals $1,600 in tuition relief every year arena. And East Yorkers can be excused rooms; and he wants to put an end to on Thurs- day night for a full-time undergraduate university student and $730 for seeing a streak of the late MP from ambulance fees. at www. for a college student. That’s the next best thing to freezing Toronto-Danforth in the alive-and-well Of course, the other candidates in torontoob- tuitions. They’ve also proposed creating 60,000 new MPP from Beaches-East York. Beaches-East York also talk the talk. But server.ca spaces for post-secondary students and building three new It’s even more impressive when you for more than 20 years, Prue has walked undergraduate campuses for existing schools. consider that Prue’s two decades of public the walk. The rival Progressive Conservatives’ platform, called service has been to the same relatively “Changebook,” also promises 60,000 new spaces for post-secondary compact community: East York borough ~ Janet Piercey students, minus the new campuses and tuition relief. In Don Valley West, Andrea Mandel-Campbell is running for the PCs. She’s a former CTV Business News Network anchor and an author. But while the journalist’s n column resume is impressive, Mandel-Campbell’s experience in politics is scarce. Meanwhile, running for the is criminology student Khalid Ahmed. Late in this campaign, the NDP announced that, if elected, they would freeze post-secondary tuition for four years. A ttack ads may be to blame But with due respect to Ahmed — a 19-year-old who has stepped in after the party’s original candidate in the riding withdrew — the New Democrats simply don’t appear serious about Don Valley West. (Perhaps for poor voter turnout in youths you can’t blame them; in each of the last two provincial elections, they haven’t gotten more than 3,000 votes.) Voters in the riding should stick with an MPP who has not only ride on the bus can be from a bad dream. attack ads on TV — Stephen represented the riding well, but whose party represents the kind of quite an experience I couldn’t help but snicker Harper’s victory last spring modulated social progress that Don Valley West needs. Aif you sit beside the right to myself as the three of them would never have occurred. ~ Jesse Mirsky people. talked politics — or, rather, It does seem that these A few days back, when their lack of interest in it. campaigns are trying to stuck beside a trio of As the conversation get people off the couch 20-somethings on the Carlton progressed, the two women and down to their polling streetcar, I overheard them and one man basically stations by warning them Sterling good for E.Y. poking fun at an election ad congratulated each other for that opposing politicians featuring Premier Dalton being politically apathetic. aren’t just wrong; they’re bad McGuinty— apparently One of them, an outspoken, people — even dangerous. Marisa Sterling wants to improve hospital looking like he’d just awoken well-dressed brunette, But whether it’s a sign of seemed to proudly volunteer unsteady times or just typical wait times, which is good for the community that in her 27 years, she apolitical behaviour, apathy Beth Ford has never cast a ballot. She seems to linger in the hearts he is the healthy candidate for Toronto-Danforth — in more ways than gloated; I winced. I felt and minds of many — like one. embarrassed for her. that trio on the streetcar. SMarisa Sterling runs races, participates in the CN Tower climb, and she If she lived in Australia, Maybe the stridency of is an advocate for the Heart and Stroke foundation. she’d actually have been our campaigns is actually Now Sterling is also the Liberal candidate for MPP in Toronto-Danforth. fined — because it is illegal what’s keeping them away; And she’s worthy of serious consideration. not to vote there. some people may just be Sterling has already demonstrated her ability for effective community Here in Canada, fed up with the rhetoric, advocacy through her various volunteer capacities. Outside of her passion unfortunately, not everyone empty promises and for personal wellness, she recently assisted in the creation of a grant believes the old saying, mudslinging. program to help over 300,000 Ontario students from kindergarten to Grade ‘Every vote counts.’ After all, it’s not very 12 with their math and science skills; a reflection of her bachelor’s degree With poll stations set inspiring. And it doesn’t in chemical engineering from the and her more than up everywhere, why can’t address the needs of a very 20 years of experience in business. But health is where her heart is, and citizens be bothered to cast a uncertain audience living in Sterling is a vocal backer of the Liberals’ push on issues like lower wait ballot? unstable times. times for key surgeries and free vaccines. And why does it seem Unfortunately, it just seems She is also a representative for Fundher.ca (a resource hub that connects like our politicians are like there’s nobody on the Ontarians with female candidates in all ridings). increasingly turning to political horizon to mobilize For these reasons — passionate activism and community connections attacks on their rivals to the electorate through — Marisa Sterling deserves serious scrutiny by the voters of Toronto- motivate voters? Some say positive messaging — like Danforth. that if it wasn’t for this tacky Toronto-Danforth’s (and ~ Janet Piercey mud-slinging — especially Canada’s) late Jack Layton.

The East York The East York Observer is a biweekly newspaper Facult y Editors online EditorS photo editor published in print and online by journalism Andrew Mair, Stephen Cogan, Ted Barris, Neil Ward, Phil Alves Braydon Keddie students at Centennial College’s Centre for Lindy Oughtred, production editor copy Editors Creative Communications at 951 Carlaw Ave., Louie Piacentini, Dave Johnny Cheronne Thurab Andre Widjaja Observer Toronto, ON, M4K 3M2. torontoobserver.ca Managing Editor Assignment editor Vicken Polatian [email protected] 416-289-5107 Shannon Keller Nicole Pulsinelli The East York Observer /// Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 NEWS 7 n column Age still matters

enjoy fashion editorial ber. The spread implied the spreads and luxury brand child was playing dressup Iad campaigns in maga- — but I thought a 10-year- zines. The way designers old lying provocatively on apply their creativity to animal skin was unnatural. market products to the Has fashion gone too world is intriguing. But I far? noticed many new models Sure, I found it unsettling gracing these spreads are to see a child dressed up between the ages of 10 and as an adult in a magazine 14. It seems fashion has meant for adults, but the a new muse — extreme more I analyzed the photos, youth. I realized this spread was This came to my atten- created to provoke minds tion when I saw an obvi- and bring more attention to ously provocative editorial the brand — a cynical play spread of young Thylane on the notion there’s no Loubry Blondeau, in such thing as bad publicity. French Vogue last Decem- So is the fashion industry’s relationship with youth Britney exploitative? Brady-Maginley Blondeau isn’t the first child model; there are oth- File photo ers a few years older than Patrons might have been ‘ale-ing’ after indulging in Toronto Beer Week at various area bars. her who are discovered regularly and appear in ad- vertisements on billboards, runways and in spreads. But the difference is these Raise a mug to Beer Week girls aren’t groomed for these fashion shows or Alcohol lovers from have to offer with the de- selves out there and start local craft brewers to “the shoots as children; they’re but of new beers, sampling producing a lot of quality farmers of the beer world” groomed as near-adults. Toronto and across and dinners featuring beer- beers that a lot of people and believes that Toronto To put a young girl in the GTA celebrate matching with the entree. were identifying with and Beer Week helps open pa- the same category as an Jimmy Moxam, manager embracing,” Moxam said. trons’ eyes to a superior adult and to have her body at Brass Taps Pizza Pub, “It’s actually opened product made in the area. By MIKE BEAUVAIS judged in that same light is jumped at the chance for up the doors for the Mus- “It’s brewed just down premature. The Observer his establishment to get in- koka, the County Durham the road instead of some While I do think volved in the festivities and and the Spearhead Com- big facility God knows Blondeau and other child A sudsy celebration hit support Toronto area beers, pany. They just bust right where,” Skidmore said. models who appear for the Toronto last week, and the calling it “vital.” through, come in, and they As Toronto Beer Week’s fashion industry are beauti- Danforth joined the party. He credits Mill Street and don’t face those barriers of growth continues, both ful little girls, I also think The second annual To- Steamwhistle breweries for people being nervous about Moxam and Skidmore they need time to grow into ronto Beer Week took over putting the new wave of lo- making those purchases, shared identical senti- women. For now, playing many of Hogtown’s bars cal microbreweries on the because they know that On- ments as to whether their dressup in sexy clothes and restaurants Sept. 16-24, map. tario beers mean quality.” respective bars will ex- shouldn’t go beyond their offering patrons the best “You’ve got a small little Fabian Skidmore, manag- tend their participation mother’s bedroom. that local craft breweries company, putting them- er of the Only Café, likens for 2012: “Absolutely.” TOPS may be poised for decline, says parent of recent graduate

By MATILDA MIRANDA parent group. “But how their retirements in hopes encompasses Marc Gar- The Observer could I let him apply to a of mentoring succes- neau, said TOPS is an program that I don’t even sors in case TOPS is re- integral part of the school Mara Cole is a single know will exist when he located, Cole said. But and can still thrive there. mother to three boys, two graduates?” they’ll only wait so long, She said a committee of whom won a combined The prestigious math she added, and if TOPS has been created that’s total of $111,000 in schol- and science program was doesn’t move by 2012, going to look into other arships upon graduating created 24 years ago at those teachers will give possible solutions, such from high school. Cole Marc Garneau Collegiate up and leave — and the as timetable changes that credits her sons’ success- Institute, located in the program will die within will lead to more room in es to the TOPS (Talented neighbourhood of Thorn- a year. the school. Offerings of Programs in cliffe Park. “TOPS can’t be dupli- At this coming Wed- the Sciences) program. Marc Garneau is 140 cated. It’s not just a bind- nesday’s TDSB meet- But when it came time per cent over capacity, er of curriculum,” she ing, a motion to consider for her third son to attend and the demand for TOPS said. “There’s a whole moving the TOPS pro- high school, she didn’t is also fierce. So a battle interconnection there that gram will be revisited. Matilda Miranda///Observer even consider letting him has been raging for years makes the magic, and the “We’re going through a apply to TOPS. over the prospect of mov- TDSB (Toronto District difficult stage right now,” Senior students of Marc Garneau Collegiate “He would’ve been ing TOPS to a school that School Board) refuses to Gershon said, “but it’s Institute get ready to head back to class great there,” said Cole, has more space. acknowledge this fact.” something that I hope that after their lunch break. From left are Yasmin the co-founder and past Some key veteran TDSB trustee Gerri we’re going to be able to Mostafa and TOPS members Kattren Wilfred, co-chair of the TOPS teachers have delayed Gershon, whose ward resolve amicably.” Patrick Lung, Jason Chen and Alison Matson. 8 ARTS&LIFE The East York Observer /// Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 Veteran reflects on the past By NICHOLAS PESCOD only woman almost The Observer everywhere I went,” Imagine coming to Beharriell said. “They work every day and told me I couldn’t being discriminated complete the same against based on basic training as the your gender or ap- men, because wom- pearance. en couldn’t do that.” Many women who Beharriell also entered the work- faced sexual assault, force 30 verbal harassment years and physical assault. ago, in- “When I joined the cluding forces in 1973 they retired told me that I could veter- not become an intel- an and ligence officer be- Queen’s n Susan cause it said on page Univer- Beharriell 42 of the manual sity graduate Lt.-Col. that only men were Susan Beharriell, permitted,” she said. faced discrimination. After years of per- Beharriell spoke sisting, the Cana- Viola Visnjevac to members of the dian military finally Viola Visnjevac’s landscape art has been on display this September as part of the Canadian Federation allowed Beharriell to Don Valley Art Club’s fall art show at the Paper Mill Gallery on Pottery Road. of University Women join the staff, but she (CFUW) at the Leas- still faced discrimi- ide-East York branch nation. on Sept. 15. In 1982, Beharri- Electrical engineer turns to art The discussion ell was sent to Cold ranged from women Lake, AB, where she Artist preparing kid, so I decided to take it “I’ve always been fasci- Frances Craig, president in the military to her was an intelligence up as a hobby.” nated by impressionism. I of the Don Valley Art Club, experiences during officer and the only for Bayview Art After taking classes at enjoy painting landscapes says Visnjevac has a great her 35-year career female on the base. Tour in October Avenue Road Arts School, as if they were seen through understanding of art. and the struggles she realized she had a hid- windows,” Visnjevac says, “Viola’s work is amazing. she faced. n For more, see By FARHANA UDDIN den talent. gesturing toward her paint- Like all of our artists, she “I was the first and torontoobserver.ca The Observer It wasn’t long before her ings of water bodies and brings something special to landscape paintings and marshes in Prince Edward the table,” Craig says. Not many artists can say portraits be- County. “This is our first fall show they have a master’s degree gan reaching “I often use strong con- of this year and it’s been in electrical engineering. exhibitions trasting colours with bold great.” Author shows how to In fact, as far as Viola Vis- in Ontario strokes to exude emotions,” Visnjevac points out that njevac knows, she stands and abroad she says. the compensation is not the cook traditional food alone in that club. in countries When she exhibited in purpose of her artistic en- “I only started painting n Viola such as Eng- London, England, the local deavours. with a modern twist seven years ago,” says Vis- Visnjevac land and artist took along colourful “It’s just something that I njevac, who works for the France. landscape scenes of South- love to do,” she says. By SIAN DAVIES IT department within the This ern Ontario. Continuing on the artistic have been available The Observer CIBC. month, they were on dis- “I wanted people there to route, Visnjevac is prepar- in 1812.” “After my sons went off play as part of the Don Val- get a feeling about the Ca- ing for the Bayview Art Duncan said if a to university, I found that I ley Art Club’s fall art show nadian landscape and what Tour in October, which East Yorkers en- housewife wanted had a lot of spare time. I’ve at the Paper Mill Gallery on Canadian art is like,” she covers more than 24 artists joyed a taste of the something to rise, loved art ever since I was a Pottery Road. says. in 16 venues. past on Sept. 27 as she had to “beat it Dr. Dorothy Duncan, like mad,” add egg author of Feasting whites and throw and Fasting: Can- in a pinch of pearl ada’s Heritage Cel- ash, a refined form of First Canadian story for IMAX ebrations, presented potash. foods that would “Time was the have adorned our problem...Finding comes to life at Science Centre ancestor’s tables. enough time to pre- At a meeting of pare the food from By MIKE BEAUVAIS railroads…this is the great railroad “This is the first Canadian story the East York His- scratch, to roll it, The Observer story on earth.” (for IMAX),” explained Dr. Hooley torical Society at the preserve it, eat it, Low feels his film is a great teaching McLaughlin, vice president, Science S. Walter Stewart clean up, get ready For the first time in the 40-year resource for a generation likely Experience and chief science officer. library, Duncan de- for the next meal history of IMAX cinema, Canada has unfamiliar with the Canadian-Pacific “We’ve had other Canadian tailed some challeng- and on and on,” Dun- its first uniquely Canadian film. Railway (CPR) story and its massive vignettes on things to do with es faced by First Na- can said. “I think Playing at the Ontario Science impact on the country’s formation. geography and climate, but this is tions and newcomers perhaps we’ve lost Centre’s OMNIMAX Theatre, “I became more and more concerned one of the Canadian stories on how to Canada. that and we forget Stephen Low’s Rocky Mountain that the newer generations don’t know Canada was formed. It’s incredibly “Today, when we how ingenious our Express explores the Rockies’ anything about the CPR,” Low said. moving.” want to make a cake ancestors were.” vastness while relating the “And yet this was the defining McLaughlin feels Rocky Mountain or we want to make Meeting attendees story of building Canada’s first moment in Canadian history. This Express bodes well for a new age of some cookies, we were treated to aged transcontinental railway. is the place in Canadian history…if Canadian storytelling in film. toss in a little bit of cheddar cheese, pep- Low, director of other IMAX those engines hadn’t have climbed “There’s much more concern baking soda, bak- permint pastilles productions like Titanica, believes those hills, in 1886, it was over. now about Canada and the future of ing powder, cream and the modern seeing Canadian history come to life Canada was finished. The Americans Canada,” said McLaughlin. of tartar or some equivalent of “empire on the giant screen is long overdue. would have come in and taken over “We’re talking more as a nation of those wonderful cookies,” two pieces “I think (Canadians) underestimate Western Canada.” now. We’re seeing our role on the chemicals that we of shortbread held (themselves),” Low said, addressing With the film depicting events world stage and I think we have so have available to us together with jam, the media following the film’s integral to Canada’s history, Science many people coming from all parts of today,” Duncan said. named in honour premiere showing. Centre staff relished the opportunity the world to live here and they’re all “None of that would of the royal family. “If you look at the history of to debut it. passionately interested in Canada.